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THE 


NINETEEN   TRAGEDIES 


AND  ""    f  ' 


FRAGMENTS 


1       / 


}  . 


OF 


(      * 


EURIPIDES. 


TRANSLATED 


BY    MICHAEL    WODHULL,  ESQ. 


A  NEW  EDITION, 


CORBECTCD  TBEOUGHOUT  BY  THE  TRANSLATOR. 


IN  THREE  VOLUMES. 


VOL.  in. 


=*T*= 


LONDON: 

FRIETED  FOR  JOHN  WALKER;  T.  PAYNE;  VERNOR,  HOOD,  ^  SHARPB; 
R.  LEA;  J.  NUNN;  CCTHELL   &   MARTIN;    E.    JEFFERY;  LONGMAN^ 
HURST,  RBES,  AND  ORlIf  E  ;  LACKINGTON,  ALLEN,  Sc  CO.  ;  J.    BOOKER  ; 
J.     RICHARDSON;     BLACEy  PARRYy  &     KINGSBURY  ;    J.    FAULDER ; 
J.  ASPERNE;  and  ^.  HARRIS. 

3809. 


V 


( 


e  r 


■i  -■ 


X 


E.  Btaekader,  Pnuter,  Took*s  C«NUt,CBancei7  Line. 


:i,i4cf 


•       » 


CONTENTS. 


I- 
I 

I 


VOL.  III. 

Helen -► ♦ ^ 

Ion    .:.......,. •.     89 

HERCULES  Distracted    ,  .  . . 177 

Electba * . f  .  f 243 

Fragments  ...*....;. f 311  •"^""^ 

Index ,...•.. 4^5 


.         1 


H  E  L  E  N. 


Concordia  forniae 
Atqiie  pudicitiap*  -   -  JvVElfiL* 


\ . 


VOL.  lU. 


PERSONS  OF  THE  DRAMA. 


HELEN. 
TEUCEK. 

CHORUS  OF  GRECIAN  DAMES,   Helen'!  Attendaittb. 

MENELAUS. 

FEMALE  SERVANT. 

MESSENGER. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

THEONOE. 

CASTOR  AND  POLLUX. 

SCENE— PROTEUS'  TOMB,  at  the  entrance  of  Theocly- 

MENUS'  PAULCB   IN  "PbABOB,  AN  ISLAND  AT  THE   MOITTH   OF 

« 

THE  Nile. 


HELEN, 


IJELEN. 

xJright  are  these  virgin  currents  of  the  Nile 
Which  water  Egypt's  soil,  and  are  supplied, 
Instead  of  drops  from  Heaven,  by  molten  snow* 
But  Proteus,  while  he  liy'd,  of  thesje  doipains 
Was  Lord,  he  in  the  isle  of  Pharos  dwelt. 
King  of  all  ^gypt ;  for  his  Wife  he  gain'd 
One  of  the  Nymphs  who  haunt  the  briny  deep. 
Fair  Psamathe,  after  she  left  the  bed 

(1)  Of  iEacus ;  she  in  the  palace  bore 
To  him  two  children,  one  of  them  ^•  Spij 
Caird  Tbeoclymenus,  because  his  life 
Ispass'd  in  duteous  homage  to  the  Gods; 
A  Daughter  also  of  majestic  mien 

Her  Mother's  darling,  in  her  infant  year? 

(2)  (Eidothea  call'd  by  her  enraptur'd  SireJ  : 

(1)  ^  Instead  of  lEoha,  as  it  stands  in  all  the  editions,  we  ought  to 
'^  read  .^cus,  by  whom  Psamathe,  the  d^ghter  of  Nereus  was  com- 
*'  pressed,  according  to  ApoUodoras,  li.  3,  c«  11,  §  6,  Comp^u^  Hiesiod's, 
**  Generation  of  the  Qods,  v.  1004,  and  jPmdfir's  i^tfa  Nemei^i  Od^ 
"  V.  15—24.  Of  ^olus  who  married  Enarete  (Apollodonjs,  L.  1^  c.  7, 
**  $  2.)  there  is  no  such  account  given."    Dr.  Musgrave. 

(2)  Dr.  Musgrave  takes  away  the  stop  after  fy^,  and  supplies  on 
conjecture, 

which  I  have  inserted  in  my  transition,  as  a  manifest  improvementxto  the 
context ;  Homer  leaving,  as  he  observes,  Odyas,  L.  ^,  v.  ^my  mw^ 
tioned  the  Princess  by  that  name  \  it  seemed  teqaiate,  however,  to  in- 
cfaide  the  additional  line  in  a  parentliesis,  as  the  insertion  does  not  appear 
to  be  authorised  by  any  one  manuscript  or  antieni  edition. 

B  2 


4  HELEN. 

But  when  the  blooming  Maid  became  mature 

For  nuptial  joys,  Theonoe  was  the  name 

They  gave  her ;  all  the  counsels  of  the  Go6», 

The  present  and  the  future^,  well  she  kuew^ 

Such  privilege  she  from  her  Grandsire  Nereus 

Inherited.    'But  not  to  fame  unknown 

Are  Sparta's  realm,  whence  I  derive  my  birth, 

And  my  Sire,  Tyndarus.    There  prevails  a  rumour 

Tliat  to  my  Mother  Leda  Jove  was  borne 

On  rapid  wings,  the  figure  of  a  Swan 

Assuming,  and  by  treachery  gain'd  admission 

To  her  emb|races,  flying  from  an  eagle, 

tf  we  may  credit  such  report.     My  name 

Is  Helen  ;   but  I  also  will  recount 

What  woes  I  have  endur*d;   three  Goddesses, 

For  beauty's  prize  contending,  in  the  cave 

Of  Ida,  came  to  Paris ;  Juno,  Venus, 

And  Pallas  virgin  progeny  of  Jove, 

Requesting  him  to  end  their  strife,  andjudge 

Whose  charms  outshone  her  rivals.     But  proposing 

For  a  reward,  my  beauty,  (if  the  name 

Of  beauty  suit  this  inauspicious  form) 

And  promising  in  marriage  to  bestow  me 

On  Paris,  Venus  conquered:   for  the  Swain 

Of  Ida,  leaving  all  his  herds  behind. 

Expecting  to  receive  me  for  his  Bride, 

To  Sparta  came.     BuWuno,  whose  defeat 

Fir'd  with  resentment  her  indignant  soul, 

Our  nuptials  frustrated  ;  for  to  the  arms 

Of  royal  Priam's  son,  she  gave  not  me 

But  ( })  in  my  semblance  form'd  a  living  image 

(3)  ^  On  this  subject  Pbtlostrattts  testifies^  that  Apollonias  of  Tyanea 
"  qiiettioiMd  the  shade  of  AcfaUlM^  9nd  that  he  gate  it  iii  firotet  of  Ea- 
<^  rq>ide«.  The  third  question  I  Wonld  ask,  O  Achifles,  is  whether 
*^  Helen  came  to  IVogr,  or  Homer  thought  fit  to  invent  these  transan- 
'<  tionsr  Adiffles  repMea;  <^  We  w^xe  luug  deceiffed,  botii  when  we 
''  were  sending  emfoattadors  to  Troy,  and  waging  war  on  her  accoim^  as 


H  E  L  E  N. 


Concordia  fornise 
Atqiie  pudicitiap.  JuVEWAL. 


VOL.  lift. 


0  HELEN. 

Died  in  my  cause ;  but  I^  who  have  endured 

All  these  afflictions,  am  a  public  curse; 

For  'tis  suppos'd,  that  treacherous  to  my  Lord, 

1  have  thro'  Greece  blown  up  the  flames  of  war. 
Why  then  do  I  prolong  my  Ufe  I  these  words 

I  heard  from  Mercury :  **  That  I  again 

'^  In  Sparta,  with  my  Husband  shall  reside, 

*'  When  he  discovers  that  I  never  went 

'*  To  Troy  :"  be  therefore  counsell'd  me  to  keep 

A  spotless  chastity.    While  Proteus  view'd 

The  solar  beams,  I  from  the  nuptial  yoke 

Still  liv'd  exempt;  but  since  the  darksome  grave 

Hath  cover'd  his  remains,  the  Royal  Son 

Of  the  deceased  solicits  me  to  wed  him : 

But  honouring  my  first  Husband,  at  this  tomb 

Of  Proteus,  I  a  suppliant  kneel,  to  him. 

To  him  I  sue,  to  guard  my  nuptial  couch. 

That  if  thro'  Greece  I  bear  a  name  assail'd 

By  foul  aspersions,  no  unseemly  deed  ^ 

May  cover  me  with  real  infamy. 

TEUCER,   HELEN. 

TEUCER. 

Who  rules  this  fortress  ?  such  a  splendid  dome 
With  royal  porticos  and  blazon'd  roofs 
Seems  worthy  of  a  Plutus  for  its  lord. 
But,  O  ye  Gods,  what  vision  !  I  behold 
That  hateful  Woman  who  hath  ruin'd  me. 
And  all  the  Greeks.    Heaven's  vengeance  on  thy  head ! 
Such  a  resemblance  bear'st  thou  to  that  Helen, 
That  if  I  were  not  in  a  foreign  land^ 
I  with  this  stone  would  smite  thee ;  thou  should'st  bleed 
For  being  like  Jove's  Daughter. 

HELEN. 

Wretched  Man, 
Whoe'er  you  are,  why  do  you  hate  me  thus 
Because  of  her  misfortunes  ? 


HELEN:  7 

TfiUCEIL 

I  haire  err^ 
In  giving  way  to  such  unseemly  rage. 
All  Greece  abhors  Jove's  Daughter.     But  forgive  me^ 
O  Woman,  for  the  words  which  I  have  ntter'd. 

Say  who  y^u  are,  and  from  what  land  you  come? 

TEUCER. 

One  of  that  miserable  race  the  Greeks. 

•HELEN. 

No  wonder  is  it  then,  if  you  detest 
The  Spartan  Helen.    But  to  me  declare. 
Who  are  you,  whence,  and  from  what  Father  sprung? 

TEUCER; 

My  (4)  name  is  Teucer,  Telamon  my  Sire ; 
The  land  which  nurtur'd  me  is  Salamis.    : .  1 

Helen. 
But  wherefore  do  you  wander  o'er  these  mieads 
LavUby  the  Nile? 

TEUCER. 

I  irom  my  native  land 
Am  banish'd. 

•HE£iBrv« 

You,  alas !  must  needs  be  wretched. 
Who  drove  you  thence? 

TEUGE1& 

My  Father  Telamon. 
What  friend  canst  thou  hold  dearer  ?. 

HELEN. 

For  what  cause 
Were  you  to  exile  doonv'di  your  situation 
Is  most  calamitQus.  i  n 

(4)  ^  When.thejSceae  is  not  top  long,  these  speeches  of  one  line  faeh 
*'  in  the  original,  instead  of  being  a  defeat,  are  a  real  beauty :  because 
^<  the  dramatic  performance  then  imitates  the  vivacity  of  iaterestfiig 
<<  conyersatioiis.*'    Brumoy. 


«  HEtEN. 

XSUOEK. 
My  ftxtther  Ajax, 
Who  died  at  Troj,  wasautbocof  my  ruin. 
HELEN. 
How  I  by  your  sword  depriv'd  of  life  ?^     , 
TBUCER. 

Hefell,  , 
Od  liis  own  blade,  and  perish'd. 
HSLEN. 

■Wag  he  mad  ? 
Who  could  act  thus  whoie  inteUects  ar&Mund? . 
TEUCER. 
Know'st  thou  Achille»,  Peleni'  Son  ? 


Heerat, 
I  heard,  to  Helen  as  a  Suitor  cane. 


He,  at  bis  death,  hiscomradn  left  tostrive 
Which  should  obtain  his  arms. 


BMt  why  was  this 
Hurtful  to  Ajax } 

TEDCRR. 

'         WhcD  another  won 
Those  arms,  he  gave  up  life. 


Do  your  afflictions 
Rise  from  his  fate? 

raucBB. 
Because  I  died  not  with  him. 
<  HELEN. 

O  stranger,  went  you  then  to  Troy's  fiun'd  city  i 

TEUCER. 
And  having  sbat^d  in  laying  waste  its  bulwarks,' 
I  also  peiish'd.  . 

HELEN. 
Have  th«  flames  cooiom'd. 


i 


HBLOf. 


And  QtieHj  deatroy'd  tl 


or  those  proud  walli  U  aov  to  be  imxn'A. 
Thro'  thee,  O  Helen,  do  Ae  I 


The  Greeks  too :  for 
Which  have  beea  wrought. 


Since  Troy  waa  mck'dr 


WkMlesclfeafli 


Hath  almost  tnrn'd  «rmim1  ber  li 


Bat  how  much  lottget  did  jaw  ho«  r 
before  those  bolwailu  i 


There  full  ten  jean  m 
That  Spatlan  Dame? 


JWaojr  m  tediom  «aaa  -, 


TEVGSS. 

By  ket  dttbevei'd  bur, 
Th' ad ui tress,  Meaebuudrtigg'dawaj. 
HELEN. 
Did  you  behold  thai  object  of  duUtm, 
Or  speak  you  from  report  i 

TEUCER. 

Tbeae  eyes  ai  cleaHy 
Witness'd  the  whole,  as  1  now  view  ihy  face. 
HELEN, 
Be  cautious,  lest  for  ber  ye  »buald  n 
Some  weli-fonn'd  aemblance  which  tbe^j 


8  HEyEN, 

TBUCSR. 

My  Brother  Ajax, 
Who  died  at  Troy,  was  autbiWiof  my  ruia«. . 

How  I  by*  your  sMrjord  depriv'd  xti  life  ?^ 

TEUCEIU 

He  fell, 

Od  hig  own  blade^  and  pemh'cL 

•  •    '      HELiEN* 

'Was  be  mad  ? 
Who  could  act  thus  whose  intellects  are  sound? . 

TSUCER.  I  >    : 

Know'st  thou  Achilles^  P^Ieus'Son? 

HELEN. 

'    .-.    •    .He'erst,- 
I  heard>  to  Helen  as  a  Suitor  cane.  / 

TBUCER* 

He^  athisdettkhi  his  comrades  left  totstrtve 
Which  should  obtain  his  arms. 


But  itrhy  was  this 
Hurtful  to  Ajax  ? 

TBUC£IL 

'         When  another  won 
Those  arms,  he  gave  up  life. 

JUBLEiN. 

>  Do  your  afflictions 

Rise  from  his  fate  ? 

TBUCER. 

Because  I  died  not  with  him. 

'•      •      •     •  HELEN. 
O  stranger,  went  you  then  to  Troy's  tam^d  city  ? 

TEUCER. 

An^  having  shatM  lii  laying  waste  its  bulwarks/ 
I  alsQ  peri^b'd*  . 

HELEN. 

Have  the  flames  consumed. 


H£LEN»  9 

And  utterly  denttoy*d  tbem  i 

TBUCEIL 

Not  a  trace 
Of  those  proud  walls  is  now  to  be  discerned. 

r  HELEN.  » 

Thro*  thee,  O  Heleb,  do  the  Phrygians  perish. 

TEUCER. 

The  Greeks  too :  for  most  grievous  are  the  mischiefs 
Which  have  been  wrought. 

HELEN. 

What  lengtb  of  time's  ebps'd 
Since  Troy  was  sack'd  i 

TBUC£R« 
Seven  tioftes  thi  fruitful  year 
Hath  almost  turned  around  her  Uogertiig  wheel* 

HELENA 

But  how  much  lodger  did  your  host  remain 
Before  those  bulwarks  f     , 

|tf  nay.  n*  tedious  moon ; 
There  fuU  ten  years  weie  jspeo£.  . 

I       .    .  AdkI,  have  ye  taken 
That  Spartan  Dame?     .  < 

•  •  •    'tEUiZER^  i 

By  Iiet  disheveled  hair,] 
Th*  adultress,  MeneliBHis  dragg'4  4way.  » 

Did  you  behold  that  object  of  distress, 
Or  speak  you  fcoitl  report  ? 

TEUCER. 

These  eyes  as  clearly 
Witnessed  the  whole/  aa  I  now  view  thy  face. 

HELEN. 

Be  cautious,  lest  for  be^r  ye;  should  mistake 
Some  wdMorm'd  aemblaoee  which  the  Gods  have  sent. 


» 


^ 


«L»Ai.  ~  •%  .t;  Jg 


E.  Btaduder,  Pnuter,  Took*«  Cwrt,  Chancery  X^ne. 


^/-^f 


J^ 

vM 


I 
I 


CONTENTS. 

VOL.  III. 

0 

Helen 1 

Ion 89 

Hercules  Distracted    ,  .  .  • 177 

Electra , p 243 

Fragments  ...*•.... , 311  t-'^^ 

Index 4S5 


HELEN. 


Concordia  forniae 
Atqiie  pttdicitiap*  JWRHkU 


f 


VOL.  Ilk. 


PERSONS  OF  THE  DRAMA. 


HELEN. 
TEUCEK. 

CHORUS  OF  GRECIAN  DAMES,  HELEN'i  Attendants. 

MENELAUS. 

FEMALE  SERVANT. 

MESSENGER. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

THEONOE. 

CASTOR  AND  POLLUX. 


SCENE— PROTEUS'  TOMB,  AT  the  entrance  of  Theocly- 

MENVS'  PALACE   IN  PhAROS,  AN  ISLAND  AT  THE  MOUTH   OF 

« 

THE  Nile. 


1 


HELEN. 


11 


Tis  rumour'd  he  is  dead. 

HELEN. 

I  am  undone. 
Is  Thestius'  Daughter  living  i 

TEUCER. 

Meau'st  thou  Leda  i 
She  with  the  dead  is  number'd. 

HELEN. 

Did  the  shame 
Of  Helen  cause  her  wretched  Mother's  death  ? 

TEUCER. 

Around  her  neck>  'tis  said^  the  noble  Dame 
Entwin'd  the  gliding  noose* 

HELEN. 

But  live  the  Sons 
Of  Tyndarus,  or  are  they  too  now  no  more  ? 

TEUCER. 

They  are,  and  are  not^  dead  (5):  for  two  accounts 
Are  propagated. 

HELEN. 
Which  is  best  confirm'd  ? 
O  wretched  me ! 

TEUCER. 
Some  say  that  they  are  Gods 
Under  the  semblance  of  two  radiant  stars. 

HELEN. 

Well  have  you  spoken.     But  what  else  is  rumour'd? 

TEUCER. 
That  on  account  of  their  lost  Sister's  guilt 
They  died  by  their  own  swords.     But  of  these  themes 
Enough :  I  wish  not  to  renew  my  sorrows. 
But  O  assist  me  in  the  great  affairs 
On  which  I  to  these  royal  mansions  came. 
Wishing  to  see  the  Prophetess  Theonoe, 

(5)  Homer,  Iliad,  L.  3,  ▼.  243,  344,  says  they  were  dead  and  boned  in 
Sparta,  previous  to  the  Trojan  War,  but  their  sister  Hoieny  immediately 
before  speaks  of  them  on  the  supposition  of  their  being  yet  alive.    . 


4  HELEN. 

Bat  when  the  blooming  Maid  became  mature 

For  nuptial  joys,  Theonoe  was  the  name 

They  gave  her ;  all  the  counsels  of  the  Gods, 

The  present  and  the  future,. 3veU  she  knew. 

Such  privilege  she  from  her  Grandsire  Nereus 

Inherited.     But  not  to  fame  unknown 

Are  Sparta's  realm,  whence  I  derive  my  birth, 

And  my  Sire,  Tyndarus.    There  prevails  a  rumour  ' 

That  to  my  Mother  Leda  Jove  was  borne 

On  rapid  wings,  the  figure  of  a  Swan 

Assuming,  and  by  treachery  gain'd  admission 

To  her  emb|r£^ces,  flying  from  an  eagle. 

If  we  may  credit  such  report.     My  name 

Is  Helen  ;   but  I  also  will  recount 

What  woes  I  have  endur'd ;   three  Goddesses, 

For  beauty's  prize  contending,  in  the  cave 

Of  Ida,  came  to  Paris ;  Juno,  Venus, 

And  Pallas  virgin  progeny  of  Jove, 

Requesting  him  to  end  their  strife,  andjudge 

Whose  charms  outshone  her  rivals.     But  proposing 

For  a  reward,  my  beauty,  (if  the  name 

Of  beauty  suit  this  inauspicious  form) 

And  promising  in  marriage  to  bestow  me 

On  Paris,  Venus  conquered :   for  the  Swain 

Of  Ida,  leaving  all  his  herds  behind. 

Expecting  to  receive  me  for  his  Bride, 

To  Sparta  came.     But^Juno,  whose  defeat 

Fir'd  with  resentment  her  indignant  soul, 

Our  nuptials  frustrated  ;  for  to  the  arms 

Of  royal  Priam's  son,  she  gave  not  me 

But  ( {)  in  my  semblance  form'd  a  living  image 


(3)  <*  On  this  subject  Pbilostrattts  testifies,  that  Apollonini  of  Tyanea 
*'  qae»tloiied  the  shade  of  AcfaiUes^  and  that  he  gate  it  in  fhTOur  of  £u- 
'*  ripides.  The  third  question  I  would  ask,  O  Achilles,  is  whether 
'<  Helen  came  to  Troy,  or  Homer  thought  fit  to  invent  these  transac* 
'<  tions^  AduUes  replies;  ^  We  were  long  deceived,  both  when  we 
"  were  sending  emha^adors  to  Troy,  and  waging  war  on  her  accounl^  as 


HELEN.  I 

Compos'd  of  etbef.    Paris  falsiy  deem 'd  ' 

That  he  possesi'd  me ;  from  that  time  these  ilfs 

Have  been  ^nereas'd  by  the  decrees  of  Jove, 

For  he  with  war  hath  visited' the  realms' 

Of  Greece,  and  Phrygia'd  miserable  sorts, 

That  he  might  lighteri  froifi  tli'  unrighteous  swarmii    ' 

Of  its  inhabitants  the  groaning  Earth, 

And  on  the*  bravest  of  the  Grecian  Chiefs 

Confer  renown.    While  in  the  Phrygian  war. 

As  the  reward  of  their  victorious  arms, 

I  to  the  host  of  Greece  have  been  dispFay'd, 

Tho' absent,  save' in  likeness  and  in  name. 

But  Mercury,  i^eceiving  me  in  folds 

Of  air,  and  covering  with  a  cloud  <for  Jove 

Was  not  unmindiiil  of  m^),  in  this  house 

Of  royal  Proteus,  who  of  all  mankind  ' 

Was  in  his  judgement  the  most  virtuous,  plac'd  me. 

That  undefiPd  I  might  preserve  the  bed 

Of  Menelaus.     I  indeed  afn  here ; 

But  with  collected  troops  my  hapless  Lord 

Pursues  the  ravisher  to  Ilion*s  towers. 

Beside  Scaraander's  stream  hath  many  a  chief 

« 

^  if  shftkidbeenalllioa:  but  ihe  dwelt  in  iEgyptteid  the  home  of  Pro- 
^  tens,  being  taken  away  from  Paris.  Yet  after  this  was  JuKMRrn,  .We 
**  still  fooght  for  her  against  Troy,  that  we  might  not  depart  with  in&my/ 
^  Herodotus  in  his  Kuterpe  expressly  gives  the  same  account,  saying, 
*'  He  was  informed  by  Egyptian  Priests,  that  npbn  Helen  and  PkHs 
^  being  driven  by  the  winds  to  Canopnb,  oneof  thcT  months  of  th^  Nilfe 
^*  Paris,  ffler  bemg  questioned  by  Thoh,  tl\e  Qovjivfeor  of  that,  port, 
^  was  sent  to  Protens,  the  most  just  of  men,  who  determined  to  keq> 
^  Helen,  and  thie  treasures  she  brought,  in  safe  custody,  tiU  Menelaus 
^  cune  to  fetcb  them  back  again,  and  threatened  to  put  Pa^is  to  death, 
^  ualess  he  and  his  Mowers  left  JEgypt  in  the  spaceof  three  diays.  Biil 
<<  this  fable,  of  the  likeness  of  Heien  •  being  taken  by  Pari^  ;t0;  h|B 
^  bedy  had  Stesichorus  for  its  author."  Tlius  Tzetzes  on  Lycophron, 
V,  113;  *^  It  is  reported,  tliat  when  Paris  came  to  ^Bgypt,  Proteus 
^  taking  away  Helen,  gave  bihi  a  resemblance  of  Helen,  as  Stesichorus 
'<  says."  Heace  Aristides  on  Rietoric  ;  <'  like  the  Tnyans  in  Stesic^ 
^^  jrnsy  who  considered  the  image  they  possessed, a^  the  ^leal  lieljen.**    .. 

Barnes* 


s 


0  HELEN. 

Died  in  my  cause ;  but  I,  who  have  endur'd 
.All  these  afflictions,  am  a  public  curse; 
For  'tis  suppos'd^  that  treacherous  to  my  Lord, 

1  have  thro'  Greece  blown  up  the  flames  of  war. 
Why  then  do  I  prolong  my  life  ?  these  words 

I  heard  from  Mercury :  **  That  I  again 

'^  In  Sparta,  with  my  Husband  shall  reside, 

^'  When  he  discovers  that  I  never  went 

^'  To  Troy  :"  he  therefore  counsell'd  me  to  keep 

A  spotless  chastity.     While  Proteus  view'd 

The  solar  beams,  I  from  the  nuptial  yoke 

Still  liv'd  exempt ;  but  since  the  darksome  grave 

Hath  cover'd  his  remains,  the  Royal  Son 

Of  the  deceased  solicits  me  to  wed  him : 

But  honouring  my  first  Husband,  at  this  tomb 

Of  Proteus,  I  a  suppliant  kneel,  to  him. 

To  him  I  sue,  to  guard  my  nuptial  couch. 

That  if  thro'  Greece  I  bear  a  name  assail'd 

By  foul  aspersions,  no  unseemly  deed  * 

May  cover  me  with  real  infamy. 

TEUCER,   HELEN. 

TEUCER. 

Who  rules  this  fortress  i  such  a  splendid  dome 
With  royal  porticos  and  blazon'd  roofs 
Seems  worthy  of  a  Plutus  for  its  lord. 
But,  O  ye  Gods,  what  vision  !  I  behold 
That  hateful  Woman  who  hath  ruin'd  me. 
And  all  the  Greeks.    Heaven's  vengeance  on  thy  head ! 
Such  a  resemblance  bcar'st  thou  to  that  Helen, 
That  if  I  were  not  in  a  foreign  land^ 
I  with  this  stone  would  smite  thee ;  thou  should'st  bleed 
For  being  like  Jove's  Daughter. 

HELEN. 

Wretched  Man, 
Whoe'er  you  are,  why  do  you  hate  me  thus 
Because  of  her  misfortunes  t        ' 


HCLBN.  7 

T£UCEK« 

I  have  err'd 
In  giving  way  to  90ch  onBeemly  rage. 
All  Greece  abhors  Jove's  Dan^ter.     But  forgive  me^ 
O  Woman^  for  the  words  which  I  have  ntter'd. 

HELEN. 

Say  who  you  are^  and  from  what  land  you  come? 

TEOCESL 

One  of  that  miserable  race  the  Greeks. 

HELEN. 

No  wonder  is  it  then,  if  you  detest 
The  Spartan  Helen.    But  to  me  declare. 
Who  are  you,  whence,  and  from  what  Father  sprung? 


My  (4)  name  is  Teucer,  Telamon  my  Sire ; 
The  land  which  nurtor'd  me  is  Salamis. 

HEUEN. 

But  wherefore  do  you  wander  o'er  these  mfeads 
Lav*d  by  the  Nile  I 

TEUCSER* 

I  fix>m  my  native  land 
Am  banish'd. 

You,  alas !  must  needs  be  wretched. 
Who  drove  you  thence  ? 

TEUOEK 

My  Father  Telamon. 
What  friend  canst  thou  hold  dearer  ?. 

HELEN. 

For  what  cause 
Were  you  to  exile  doom'di   your  situation 
Is  most  calamitous.  .  ^ 

(4)  "  Vfbea  the  scene  u  not  too  long,  tfaes^  speeches  of  one  line  fach 
^  m  the  original,  instead  of  being  a  defecll^  are  a  real  beanty :  because 
"the  dramatic  performance  then  imitites  the  vivacity  of  Interesting 
'^  conversations."    Brumoy.     .  ":  i  / 


E.  Bladcadcr,  Pnuter,  Took*«  Cwrt,  Chancery  Lflne. 


^/-^f 


CONTENTS. 


t 
I 


VOL.  III. 

Helen 1 

Ion 89 

HfiRcuLEs  Distracted    • 177 

Electra f.  •  • •  •  •  •  243 

Fragments  ...  * 311  ^-^ 

Index 425 


I    I 


H  E  L  E  N. 


Concordia  forniie 


Atqne  paciicitiap* 


JvrmiiAt. 


\  » 


•t  • 


VOL.  III. 


I 


PERSONS  OF  THE  DRAMA. 


' 


TEUCEK. 

CHORUS  OF  GRECUN  DAMES,   Heleh'»  ATrsMDAins. 

MENELAUS. 

FEMALE  SERVANT. 

MESSENGER. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

THEONOE. 

CASTOR  AND  POLLUX. 

SCENE— PROTEUS'  TOMB,  at  the  entrance  of  Theocly- 

« 

menus'  palace   in  PfiABOSy  AM  ISLAND  AT  THE   MOUTH   OF 

THE  Nile. 


HELEN.  I 

Compos'd  of  ether.    Paris  falsiy  deeiird  ' 

That  he  possessed  me  ;  from  that  time  these  ills 

Have  been  ^ncreds'd  by  the  decrees  of  Jove, 

For  he  with  war  hath  visited  the  realms' 

Of  Greece,  and  Phrygia'd  miserable  sorts, 

That  he  might  lighten  frouli  tli'  unrighteous  swarm^    ' 

Of  its  inhabitants  the  groaning  Earih, 

And  on  the*  bravest  of  the  Grecian  Chiefs 

Confer  renown.    While  in  the  Phrygian  war, 

As  the  reward  of  their  victorious  arms, 

I  to  the  host  of  Greece  have  been  displa^'d, 

Tho' absent,  save' in  likeness  and  in  name. 

But  Mercury,  receiving  me  in  folds 

Of  air,  and  covering  with  a  cloud  <for  Jove 

Was  not  unmindful  of  me),  in  this  house 

Of  royal  Proteus,  who  of  all  mankind 

Was  in  his  judgement  the  most  virtuous,  plac'd  me. 

That  undefiPd  I  might  preserve  the  bed 

Of  Menelaus.     I  indeed  ain  here ; 

But  with  collected  troops  my  hapless  Lord 

Pursues  the  ravisher  to  Ilion*s  towers. 

Beside  Scaraander's  stream  hath  maiiy  a  chief 

^  if  shftkidbeeBatlUon:  but  ihe  dwelt  in  JGgypt  and  the  hooeo^Pro- 
^  tens,  being  taken  away  from  Paris.  Yet  after  tfaiy  was  kaown,  .We 
**  still  fooght  for  her  against  Troy^  that  we  mi^t  not  depart  with  iniamy^* 
^  Herodotus  in  his  JCuterpe  expressly  gives  the  same  account^  sAyipg* 
*'  He  was  iolbnned  by  /Egyptian  Priests,  that  Upon  Helen  and  Pluls 
**  being  driven  by -the  winds  to  CanoptA,  one  of  thtf  mouths  of  th^  I<K]e 
^*  Fkiris,  oiler  being  questioned  by  Thoh,  the  Gov<vfeor  of  that,  port, 
^  was  sent  to  Proteus,  the  most  just  of  men,  who  determined  to  keep 
^  Helen,  and  the  treasures  she  brought,  in  safe  custody,  tiU  Menelaus 
**  cune  to  fetcb  them  back  again,  and  thrcjat^ned  to  put  Pafis  to  death, 
**  uttlesB  he  and  his  IbUowers  left  iEgypt  in  tht  space  of  three  diays,  Bui 
<<  this  table,  of  the  likeness  of  Helen  •  beihg  taken  by  Paris  ;ta,  h|i 
"  bed,  had  Stesichorus  for  its  author."  Tlius  Tzetzes  on  Lycopbron, 
▼•  113;  '^  It  is  reported,  tliat  wheti  I^iis  came  to  £gypt,  Proteus 
<<  takmg  away  Helen,  gave  bitn  a  resemblance  of  Helen,  as  Stesichorus 
<<  says,**  Hence  Aristides  on  Rhetoric  ;  *'  like  the  Tn^aps  in  SAeslcho- 
"  nSp  who  considered  the  image  they  possessed, a^  the  real  HeU»>^    .; 

Barnes. 


s 


4  HELEN. 

But  when  the  blooming  Maid  became  mature 

For  nuptial  joys,  Theonoe  was  the  name 

They  gave  her ;  all  the  counsels  of  the  Gods, 

The  present  and  the  future,,  well  she  knew. 

Such  privilege  she  from  her  Grandsire  Nereus 

Inherited.    'But  not  to  fame  unknown 

Are  Sparta's  realm,  whence  I  derive  my  birth, 

And  my  Sire,  Tyndarus.    There  prevails  a  rumour 

That  to  my  Mother  Leda  Jove  was  borne 

On  rapid  wings,  the  figure  of  a  Swan 

Assuming,  and  by  treachery  gain'd  admission 

To  her  emb|races,  flying  from  an  eagle. 

If  we  may  credit  such  report.     My  name 

Is  Helen  ;   but  I  also  will  recount 

What  woes  I  have  endur'd ;   three  Goddesses, 

For  beauty's  prize  contending,  in  the  cave 

Of  Ida,  came  to  Paris ;  Juno,  Venus, 

And  Pallas  virgin  progeny  of  Jove, 

Requesting  him  to  end  their  strife,  andjudge 

Whose  charms  outshone  her  rivals.     But  proposing 

For  a  reward,  my  beauty,  (if  the  name 

Of  beauty  suit  this  inauspicious  form) 

And  promising  in  marriage  to  bestow  me 

On  Paris,  Veuus  conquer'd :   for  the  Swain 

Of  Ida,  leaving  all  his  herds  behind. 

Expecting  to  receive  me  for  his  Bride, 

To  Sparta  came.     But^Juno,  whos^  defeat 

Fir'd  with  resentment  her  indignant  soul, 

Our  nuptials  frustrated  ;  for  to  the  arms 

Of  royal  Priam's  son,  she  gave  not  me 

But  (0  in  my  semblance  form'd  a  living  image 


(3)  **  On  this  subject  Pbilostratus  testifieg,  tbat  AiM>llomiu  of  Tyanea 
^  queBtioned  the  ihiide  of  Acfaillesy  and  that  he  gate  it  in  fkrovar  of  Eu- 
*'  ripidefl.  The  thiid  question  I  wonld  ask,  O  Achilles,  is  whether 
<<  Helen  came  to  Tk^,  or  Homer  thought  fit  to  invent  these  tiansao- 
*'  tionsr  AcfaiUes  replies;  "^  We  maee  long  dcceiirted,  both  when  we 
''  were  sending  emba^dors  to  Troy,  and  wagmg  war  en  her  account  as 


HELEN.  I 

Composed  of  etbei*;    Paris  faisiy  deem'd  "^ 

That  he  possessed  me ;  from  that  time  these  ilfs 

Have  been  ^ncre-dts'd  by  the  decrees  of  Jove, 

For  he  with  war  hath  visited*  the  realms' 

Of  Greece,  and  Phrygia's  miserable  sorts, 

That  he  might  lighten  frouli  th'  unrighteous  swarm^    ' 

Of  its  inhabitants  the  groaning  Earih, 

And  on  the' bravest  of  the  Grecian  Chiefs 

Confer  renown.    While  in  the  Phrygian  war, 

As  the  reward  of  their  vi6torious  arms, 

I  to  the  host  of  Greece  have  been  displa^'d, 

Tho' absent,  save' in  likeness  and  in  name. 

But  Mercury,  i^eceiving  me  in  folds  ' 

Of  air,  and  covering  with  a  cloud  <f6r  Jove 

Was  not  tmmindful  of  me),  in  this  house 

Of  royal  Proteus,  who  of  all  ttiankind 

Was  in  his  judgement  the  most  virtuous,  plac'd  me. 

That  undefiPd  I  might  preserve  the  bed 

Of  Menelaus.     I  indeed  atn  here ; 

But  with  collected  troops  my  hapless  Lord 

Pursues  the  ravisher  to  Ilion*s  towers. 

Beside  Scaraander's  stream  hath  maiiy  a  chief 

<<  if  sbftkidbeeiiatllion:  btttihedwe!tiniB!gypt«ndtliehotrieofPro- 
**  tens,  lieing  taken  away  frcm  Paris.  Yet  after  thif  was  kaoffrn,  .we 
**  stiH  fought  for  her  against  Troy^  that  we  mi^tnot  depart  with  infamy/ 
^  Herodotus  in  his  Kuterpe  expressly  gives  the  same  account,  saying, 
*'  He  was  informed  by  T^gj^tian  Priests,  that  Upon  Heleii  and  Pkrb 
«  bemg  driven  by  the  winds  to  Canoptft,  one^of  thtf  mouths  of  th^  Nile 
^^  Ptiris,  a(^r  being  questioned  by  Thoh|  tl^e  Govjiv^or  of  that,  port, 
^  was  sent  to  Proteus,  the  most  just  of  men,  who  determined  to  keep 
^  Helen,  and  the  treasures  she  brought,  in  safe  custody,  till  Menelaus 
,^  cune  to  fetcb  them  back  again,  and  thrtetened  to  put  Pa^is  to  death, 
**  uttlesB  he  and  his  IbUowers  toft  .£gypt  in  the  spacs'df  three  diays,  Bui 
«  this  table,  of  the  likeness  of  Heton « beihg  taken  by  Paris  |t0;  h|B 
^  bed,  had  Stesichorus  for  its  autlior."  Tlius  Tzetzes  on  Lycopbron, 
V,  113;  '^  It  is  reported,  tliat  wheii  iWis  came  to  ^Igypt,  Proteus 
^<  takmg  away  Helen,  gave  bitn  a  resemblance  of  Helen,  as  Stesichorus 
<<  says.**  Hence  Aristides  on  Rhetoric  ;  *'  like  the  Tn^aps  in  SAesicb^ 
*'  TUBf  vHio  considered  the  image  they  possess^^^a^  the  venL  llelcn.!'    .; 

Barnes. 


s 


0  HELEN. 

Died  in  my  cause ;  but  I,  who  have  endur'd 
.All  these  afflictions^   am  a  public  curse; 
For  'tis  suppos'dj  that  treacherous  to  my  Lord, 

1  have  tbro'  Greece  blown  up  the  flames  of  war* 
Why  then  do  I  prolong  my  life  i  these  words 

I  heard  from  Mercury :  "  That  I  again 

''  In  Sparta^  with  my  Husband  shall  reside, 

*'  When  he  discovers  that  I  never  went 

'^  To  Troy  :"  he  therefore  counsell'd  me  to  keep 

A  spotless  chastity.     While  Proteus  view'd 

The  solar  beams,  I  from  the  nuptial  yoke 

Still  liv'd  exempt ;  but  since  the  darksome  grave 

Hath  cover'd  his  remains,  the  Royal  Son 

Of  the  deceased  solicits  me  to  wed  him : 

But  honouring  my  first  Husband,  at  this  tomb 

Of  Proteus,  I  a  suppliant  kneel,  to  him. 

To  him  I  sue,  to  guard  my  nuptial  couch. 

That  if  thro'  Greece  I  bear  a  name  assail'd 

By  foul  aspersions,  no  unseemly  deed  * 

May  cover  me  with  real  infamy. 

TEUCER,   HELEN. 

TEUCER, 

Who  rules  this  fortress  i  such  a  splendid  dome 
With  royal  porticos  and  blazon'd  roofs 
Seems  worthy  of  a  Plutus  for  its  lord. 
But,  O  ye  Gods,  what  vision  !  I  behold 
That  hateful  Woman  who  hath  ruin'd  me. 
And  all  the  Greeks,    Heaven's  vengeance  on  thy  head ! 
Such  a  resemblance  bear'st  thou  to  that  Helen, 
That  if  I  were  not  in  a  foreign  land, 
I  with  this  stone  would  smite  thee;  thou should'st  bleed 
For  being  like  Jove's  Daughter. 

HELEN. 

Wretched  Man, 
Whoe'er  you  are,  why  do  you  hate  me  thus 
Because  of  her  misfortunes  ? 


HELEN;  7 

TBUCEIL 

I  have  err*d 
In  giving  way  to  such  onseemly  rage. 
All  Greece  abhors  Jove's  Daughter.     But  forgive  me^ 
O  Woman^  for  the  words  which  I  have  utter'd. 

Say  who  you  are^  and  from  what  land  you  come? 

TEUCKEL 

One  of  that  miserable  race  the  Greeks. 

HELEN. 

No  wonder  is  it  then,  if  you  detest 
The  Spartan  Helen.     But  to  me  declare. 
Who  are  you,  whence,  and  from  what  Father  sprung? 

TEUCES; 

My  (4)  name  is  Teucer,  Telamon  my  Sire ; 
The  land  which  nurtmr'd  me  is  Salamis.    .  I 

HELEN.' 

But  wherefore  do  you  wander  o'er  these  m^ads 
Lav'd  by  the  Nile  ? 

TEITGES* 
I  from  my  native  land 
Am  banish'd* 

•iiKLkNo 

You,  alas !  must  needs  be  wretched. 
Who  drove  you  thence  ?    . 

TEUGER& 

My  Father  Telamon. 
What  friend  canst  thou  hold  dearer  ?. 

HELEN. . 

For  what  cause 
Were  you  to  exile  doom'd  f   your  situation 
Is  moBt  calanaitons.  >  '  •  (^ 

(4)  ^  When.t|ie,8ceBe  u  not  too  long,  Uiese  speeches  of  onQ  line  ^eh 
^^  in  the  original,  instead  of  being  a  defect,  are  a  real  beauty :  because 
<<  the  dramatic  performance  then  imitates  the  vivacity  of  inleresitlhg 
"  conversations."    Brvmoy.     :"',.i  .' 


My  Brother  Ajax^ 
Who  died  at  Troy,  was  authocof  my  ruia* . 

How  I  by  your  sword  depriv'd  of  life  i^ 

TEUCEJEL 

He  fell^  . 

On  his  own  blade^  and  perish'ti 

HELEN. 

•Was  he  mad  ? 
Who  could  act  thus  whose  intellects  are  sound? . 

Know'st  thou  Achille»,  P^us' Son  f 

HEI.J*«N» 

•    /.    •    .He'erst,- 

I  heardj  to  Helen  as  a  Suitor  came*       '•-■.,  r- 

TMJCER^ 

He,  at  his  deaithi  his  comrades  left  toiatrtve 
Which  should  obtain  his  arms. 

But  why  wa&this 
Hurtful  to  Ajax  ? 

TEU€£R* 

^         When  another  won 
Those  arms,  he  gave  up  life. 

JHELiEN. 

'  •  Do  your  afflictions 

Rise  from  his  fate  ? 

TSUCER« 

Because  I  died  not  with  him. 
'•      '      .     ■  HELEN.  ■ 

O  stranger,  went  you  then  to  Troy's  filmed  city  I 

TEUCER. 

And  having  shatM  liji  laying  waste  its  bulwarks/ 
I  alsQ  perUb'd.  . 

HELEN. 

Have  the  flames  consum'd^ 


HELEN.  9 

And  utterly  destroyed  tbem  i 

TBUCEIU 

Mot  a  trace 
Of  those  proud  walls  is  now  to  be  discern'd. 

Thro*  thee,  O  Heleti,  do  the  Phrygians  perish. 

TEtJCER. 

The  Greeks  too :  for  most  grievous  are  the  mischiefs 
Which  have  been  wrought. 

.B£LEN. 

What  lengtht  of  time's  ebps'd 
Since  Troy  was  sack'd  ? 

TBVCEK. 
Seven  tia]^es  th^  fruitful  year 
Hath  almost  tdrn'd  around  her  lingering  wheel* 

But  how  much  loilger  did  your  host  remain 
Before  those  bulwarks  i     ,. 

Many.  «^  tedious  moon ; 
There  fuU  ten  years  weed  jspenc.  .    . 

I  AihL  have  ye  taken 

That  Spartan  Dame  i     .  > 

lEUCEiU  : 
By  lieff  dishevei'd  hair,] 
Th'  adultress,  MeneliEUis  dragg'd  4way«  t 

'Did  yon  heboid  that  object  of  distress, 
Or  speak  you  ftom  report  ? 

TEUCER. 

These  eyes  as  clearly 
Witnessed  the  whiole,  as  I  now  view  thy  face. 

HELEN. 

Be  cautious,  lest  for  ber  ye;  should  mistake 
Some  weU^i-form'd  aemblaaee  which  the  Gods  have  sent. 


JO  HELEN. 

TEUCER. 

Talk  if  thou  wilt  on  any  other  subject; 
No  more  of  lier. 

HELEN. 

Believe  you  this  opinion 
To  be  well-grounded  ? 

TEUCER. 

With  these  eyes  I  saw  her. 
And  she  e'en  now  is  present  to  my  soul. 

liELEN* 

HaTe  Menel^u&  and  his  Consoi-t  reached 
Their  home  ?  - 

TEUGER. 

They  are  not  in  the  Argive  land. 
Nor  on  Eurotas'  banks. 

HELEN* 

Alas!  alas! 
The  tale  you  have  recounted,  is,  to  her 
Who  hears  you,  an  event  most  inauspicious. 

TEUCER. 
He  and  his  Consort,  both  they  say  are  dead. 

HELEN. 

Did  not  the  Greeks  in  one  large  squadron  sail? 

TEUCER. 

Yes;  but  a  storm  dispers'd  their  shattered  fleet. 

HELENi 

Where  were  they,  in  what  seas? 

TEUCER. 

Tbey  at  that  tinie 
Thro'  the  mid  waves  of  the  Mge^n  deep 
Were  passing. 

HELEN. 

Can  none  tell  if  Menelaus 
Escaped  this  tempest  ? 

TEUCER. 

No  man :  but  thro'  Greece 


HELEN. 


n 


Tis  rumour'd  he  is  dead. 

HELEN. 

I  am  undone. 
Is  Thestius*  Daughter  living  i 

TEUCER. 

Meau'st  thou  Leda  i 
She  with  the  dead  is  numbered, 

HELEN. 

Did  the  shame 
Of  Helen  cause  her  wretched  Mother's  death  i 

TEUCER. 

Around  her  neck,  'tis  s^id,  the  noble  Dame 
Entwin'd  the  gliding  noose. 

HELEN. 

But  live  the  Sons 
Of  Tyndarus,  or  are  they  too  now  no  more  f 

TEUCER. 

They  are,  and  are  not,  dead  (5):  for  two  accounts 
Are  propagated.  • 

HELEN. 

Which  is  best  confirm'd  ?  i 

O  wretched  me ! 

TEUCER. 
Some  say  that  they  are  Gods 
Under  the  semblance  of  two  radiant  stars. 

HELEN. 

Well  have  you  spoken.     But  what  else  is  xumour'd? 

TEUCER. 
That  on  account  of  their  lost  Sister's  guilt 
They  died  by  their  own  swords.     But  oF  these  themes 
Enough :  I  wish  not  to  renew  my  sorrows. 
But  O  assist  me  in  the  great  affairs 
On  which  I  to  these  royal  mansions  came. 
Wishing  to  see  the  Prophetess  Theonoe, 

(5)  Homer,  Iliad,  L.  3,  ▼.  243,  344,  says  they  were  dead  andbtirred  in 
Sparta,  previous  to  the  Trojan  War,  but  their  sister  Helen,  immediately 
before  speaks  of  them  on  the  supposition  of  their  being  yet  aliv«. 


It  HELEN. 

And  learn^  from  Heaven's  oracular  response. 
How  1  may  steer  my  vessel  with  success 
To  Cyprus'  isle,  where  Pbcebus  hath  foretold 
That  I  shall  dwell,  and  on  the  walls  I  rear 
Bestow  the  name  of  Salamis,  yet  mindful 
Of  that  dear  country  I  have  left  behind. 

HELEN. 

This  will  your  voyage  of  itself  explain : 
But  fly  from  these  inhospitable  shores, 
Ere  Proteus'  Son,  the  ruler  of  this  land. 
Behold  you :  fly ;  for  he  is  absent  now 
Pursuing  with  his  hounds  the  savage  prey. 
He  slays  each  Grecian  stranger  who  becomes 
His  captive :  ask  not  why,  for  I  am  silent ; 
And  what  could  it  avail  you  to  be  told  i 

TEUCER. 

O  woman,  most  discreetly  hast  thou  spoken ; 
Thy  kindness  may  the  righteous  Gods  repay! 
For  tho'  thy  person  so  resemble  Helen, 
Thou  hast  a  soul  unlike  that  worthless  Dame. 
Perdition  seize  her ;  never  may  she  reach 
The  current  of  Eurotas:  but  mayst  thou. 
Most  generous  Woman,  be  for  ever  blest. 

lExit  TEUCEH. 

HELEN. 
Plung'd  as  I  am  'midst  great  and  piteous  woes. 
How  shall  I  frame  the  plaintive  strain,  what  Mus^ 
With  tears,  or  doleful  elegies,  invoke  ? 

ODE. 

I.     1. 

Ye  Syrens,  winged  daughters  of  the  Earth, 
Come  and  attune  the  sympathetic  string, 

Expressive  now  no  more  of  mirth. 
To  sooth  my  griefs,  the  flute  of  Libya  bring ; 
Record  the  tortures  which  this  bosom  rend^ 
And  echo  back  )ny  elegiac  strains : 


HELEN.  13 

Proserpine  next  will  I  invoke^  to  send 
Numbers  adapted  to  her  votary's  pains; 
So  shall  her  dark  abode^  while  many  a  tear  I  shed. 
Waft  the  full  dirge  to  sooth  th'  illustrious  dead. 

CHORUS,  HELEN, 

CHORUS. 
I.  d. 

'  Near  the  cerulean  margin  of  our  streams. 
I  stood,  and  on  the  tufted  herbage  spread 
My  purple  vestments  in  those  beams 
Which  from  his  noontide  orb  Hyperion  shed. 
When  on  a  sudden  from  the  waving  reeds 
I  heard  a  plaintive  and  unwelcome  sound 
Of  bitter  lamentation  ;  o'er  the  meads 
Groans  inarticulate  were  pour'd  around  : 

Beneath  the  rocky  cave,  dear  scene  of  past  delight. 
Some  Naiad  thus  bewails  Pan's  hasty  flight* 

IL  I. 
Ye  Grecian  Nymphs,  whom  those  Barbarians  caught. 
And  from  your  native  land  reluctant  bore, 
The  tidings  which  yon  Sailor  brought 
Call  forth  these  tears;  for  liion  is  no  more. 
By  (6)  him  of  Ida,  that  predicted  flame 


(6)  Panis^  of  whom  Enripidessa^,  in  the  Iphigenia  in  AxAJa  ihaog  i^ok^ 
fXiyiT.  The  fllltiiiODi  to  Hecuba's  dream  of  her  being  brcmght  to  bed  of  a 
blazing  torch,  are  frequent  in  the  unitings  of  our  autlior,  particalarly  in 
a  passage  of  the  Alexandra  or  Cassandra,  the  Greok  of  wliich  is  not  now 
extant,  bat  tlie  Latin  version  is  preserved  in  Cicero  de  Divinatione,  Paris 
IS,  as  in  this  place,  without  any  circumlocution  called  the  Torch  ;  adest 
Fax  ol^olute  sanguine  aftque  ioceudio :  according  to  the  same  mode  of 
spee43li,  Lycophron,  v«  913,  caiis  PhilocU^tes  ^i}(fi  fMrni^mt^fiim  oodsoffean, 
mcaiiing  to  exprei^  that  he  slew  Paris  who  was  called  the  Torch«  I 
therefore  read  with  the  Aldus  edition  xalaox^s^  wgi  juirx>«(r«y  iltttifi  though 
subsequent  editors  have  followed  Henry  Stephens  in  his  conjectural  alter- 
ation of  'M^Mom  mstead  offjuM^m:  and  Dr.  Musgrave  reconutteads  to  us, 


U  HELEN. 

Destroy'd ;  thro'  me,  alas,  have  myriads  bled, 
If  not  thro'  me,  thro'  my  detested  name. 

>    By  th'  ignominious  noose  is  Leda  dead 
Who  my  imaginary  guilt  deplor'd ; 
And  doom'd  by  the  relentless  Fates  in  vain 
To  tedious  wanderings,  my  unhappy  Lord 
At  length  hath  perisli'd  'midst  the  billowy  main : 
The  twin  protectors  of  their  native  land, 
Castor  and  Pollux,  from  all  human  eyes 
Are  vanished,  they  have  left  Eurotas*  strand. 

And  fields,  in  playful  strife  where  each  young  wrestler 
vies. 

CHORUS, 
IL  2. 

My  royal  Mistress,  your  disastrous  fate 

With  many  a  groan  and  fruitlesis  tear  I  mourn. 

I  froni  that  hour  your  sorrows  date 
When  amorous  Jove  on  snowy  pinions  borne. 
In  form  a  Swan,  by  Leda  was  carest. 
Is  there  an  evil  vou  have  not  endur'd? 
Your  Mother  is  no  more,  thro'  you  unblest 
Are  Jove's  twin  Sons.    Nor  have  your  vows  procured 
Of  your  dear  country  the  enchanting  sight. 
A  rumour  too  thro^  various  realms  hath  spread. 
Caught  by  the  envious  vulgar  with  delight. 
Assigning  you  to  the  Barbarian's  bed  (7)* 
Amid  the  waves,  far  from  the  wish'd-for  shore, 
Your  (8)  Husband  hath  been  buried  in  the  main* 
You  shall  behold  your  native  walls  no  more 
Nor  under  burnish'd  roofs  your  wonted  state  maintain. 

in  his  note,  the  substitnting  of  ieuu  for  i^ ;  his  yersion  is  aecordingly 
igni  hostiti  procuratam ;  that  of  Melancthon  is  seram  igni  IdaBO.  1  rather 
understand  by  fjt.iKhKr$a  in  this  place  yiUwom,  ''<  which  waft  ordaioed  to 
"  happen.** 

(7)  Paris. 

(8)  Menelaus. 


HELEN.  15 

Helen. 
ill. 

(9)  What  Phrygian  artist  on  the  top  of  Ide, 

Or  vagrant  of  a  Grecian  line, 

Feird  that  inauspicious  pine. 
To  frame  the  bark  which  Paris  o*er  the  tide 

Dar'd  with  Barbaric  oars  to  guide. 
When  to  my  palace;^  in  an  evil  hour 

(9)  ^'  This  artkt's  name,  which  Helen  seems  nnaoquaiiited  with,  was 
^  Phereclus,  of  whom  Homer,  II.  L.  5,  t.  59* 

^  Affjuthhuf  og  yj^^  nrtrnlD  huldK»  vstr^ 
**  Of  yuu  Ak^ta^a  ^nQxtctk  vm  ueng 

^  Next  artful  Pherecliu  untimely  tell; 
*^  Bold  Merion  sent  him  to  tlie  realms  of  helU 
^  Thy  Father's  skill,  O  Phereclus,  was  thine, 
'^  The  graceful  fabric,  and  the  fair  design ; 
<<  For  lov'd  by  Pallas,  Palhis  did  impart 
"  To  him  the  ship-wright's  and  tlie  builder's  art. 
'*  Beneatii  his  hand  the  fleet  of  Paris  rose, 
*  «  The  fatal  canse  of  aU  his  country's  woes."       Pope. 

«  and  while  some  refer  the  expression  o;  in  Homer,  not  to  Phereclns, 
^  but  his  Father,  (the  passage  being  considered  as  ambiguous,  both  by 
'<  Eustafliius,  and  the  anonymous  Scholiast,  vulgarly  called  Didymus^ 
^  in  one  of  his  remarks  on  the  third  book  of  the  Iliad)  by  far  the  greater 
<^  part  understand  this  of  Phereclus :  as  Lycophron,  speaking  of  the 
,  *'  ship  which  conveyed  Paris  from  Troy  to  Sparta,  makes  use  of  the 
^  term  ^ni>Mm  mits  v.  9r ;  and  Cohithus  in  his  book  on  the  Rape  of 
''  Helen,  v.  19«, 

'^  Evla  rom/Sjpfjuivoio  ixt^ofxatu  fyjif  v>stQ 

**  Of  tsTolf  ixueycuvTfti  "j^a^i^OfJiFHf  jSociXtj.', 
''  Units  AXf^ny^  fyj^Jiw  rtifhutlo  x'*^* 

There  stateliest  oaks  o'ershadowhig  all  around, 
Tom  from  the  grove,  fell  thundering  to  the  ground, 
Such  scheme  accurst  Phereclus  could  advise. 
Author  of  mischief;  from  a  Lord  unwise, 
F^om  youthful  Paris,  favour  to  obtain, 
Who  hew'd  the  barks  that  plow'd  the  watery  plain. 

BilRN£S, 


J  6  HELEN. 

Caught  by  beauty's  magic  power. 
He  came  to  seize  me  for  his  Bride  ? 
But  crafty  Venus,  authoress  of  these  broils^ 
March'd  thither,  leagu'd  with  Death,  t'  annoy 
Triumphant  Greece  and  vanquisb'd  Tr6y, 
(Wretch  that  I  am,  consumM  with  endless  toils  J) 
And  Juno  seated  on  her  golden  throne. 
Consort  of  thundering  Jove, 
Sent  Hermes  from  the  realms  above. 
Who  found  me,  when  I  carelessly  had  strewn 
Leaves  pluck'd  from  roses  in  my  vest. 
As  Minerva's  votary  drest ; 
He  bore  me  thro'  the  paths  of  air 
To  this  loath'd,  this  dreary  land, 
Call'd  Greece,  and  Priam's  friends  the  strife  to  share. 
And  rous'd  to  bloodv  deeds  each  rival  band : 
Where  Simois'  current  glides,  my  name  . 
Hence  is  mark'd  with  groundless  shame*- 

CHORUS. 

Your  woes  I  know  are  grievous  :  but  to  bear 
With  tranquil  mind  the  necessary  ills 
Of  life,  is  most  expedient. 

HELEN. 

To  tvhai  ills 
Httve  I  been  subject,  O  my  dear  companions ! 
Did  riot  my  Mother,  as  a  prodigy 
Which  wondering  mortals  gaze  at,  bring  me  forth? 
For  neither  Grecian  nor  Barbaric  dame 
Till  then  produced  an  egg,  in  which  her  children 
Enveloped  lay,  as  they  leport,  fiom  Jove 
Leda  engender'd.     My  whole  life  and  all 
That  hath  befallen  me,  but  conspires  to  form 
One  series  of  miraculous  events  ; 
To  Juno  some,  and  to  my  beauty  some, 
Are  owing.     Would  to  Heaven,  that,  like  a  tablet 
Whose  picture  is  effac'd.^  I  could  exchange 
This  form  for  one  less  cornel v,  since  the  Greeks 


HELEN.  17 

Forgetting  those  abundant  gifts  showered  down 

By  prosperous  Fortune  which  I  now  possess^ 

Think  but  of  what  redounds  not  to  my  honour, 

And  still  remember  my  ideal  shame. 

Whoever  therefore,  with  one  single  species 

Of  misery  is  afflicted  by  the  Gods, 

Altho'  the  weight  of  Heaven's  chastizing  hand 

Be  grievous,  may  ^yith  fortitude  endure 

Such  visitatioa:  but  by  many  woes 

Am  I  oppressed,  and  first  of  all  expos'd 

To  slanderous  tongues,  altho'  I  ne'er  have  err'd. 

It  were  a  lesser  evil  e'en  to  sin 

Then  be  suspected  falsly.— Then  the  Gods, 

'Midst  men  of  barbarous  manners,  plaeM  me  far 

From  my  lov'd  country:  torn  from  every  friend, 

I  languish  here,  to  servitude  consign'd 

Altho'  of  free  born  race :  for  'midst  Barbarians 

Ail  are  enslav'd  but  one,  their  haughty  Lord. 

My  fortunes  had  this  single  anchor  left. 

Perchance  my  Husband  might  at  length  arrive 

To  snatch  me  from  my  woes ;  but  he,  alas ! 

Is  now  no  more,  my  Mother  too  is  dead. 

And  I  am  deem'd  her  murdress,  tho'  unjustly. 

Yet  am  I  branded  with  this  foul  reproach; 

And  she  who  was  the  glory  of  our  house. 

My  (JO)  Daughter  in  the  virgin  state  grown  grey, 

Still  droops  un wedded  :  my  illustrious  Brothers 

Castor  and  Pollux,  call'd  the  Sons  of  Jove, 

Are  now  no  more.     But  1  impute  my  death, 

Crush'd  as  I  am  by  all  these  various  woes, 

Not  to  my  own  misdeeds,  but  to  the  power 

Of  adverse  fortune  only :  this  one  danger 

There  yet  remains,  if  at  my  native  land 

I  should  again  arrive^  they  will  confine  me 

In  a  close  dungeon,  thinking  me  that  Helen 

(10)  Hennioiie. 
VOL*    III.  C 


it  HELEN. 

»  * 

Who  dwelt  in  Tlion,  till  she  thence  was  borne 

By  Menelaus.    Were  my  Husband  livmg. 

We  might  have  known  each  other^  by  producing 

Those  tokens  to  which  none  beside  are  privy : 

But  this  will  never  be,  nor  can  he  e'er 

Return  in  safety.     To  what  purpose  then 

Do  I  still  lengthen  out  this  wretched  being? 

To  what  new  fortunes  am  I  still  vevcm'd! 

Shall  I  select  a  Husband,  but  to  vary 

My  present  ills,  to  dwell  beneath  the  roof 

Of  a  Barbarian,  at  luxurious  boards 

With  wealth  abounding,  seated  i  for  the  Dame 

Whom  wedlock  couples  with  the  man  she  bates^ 

Death  is  the  best  expedient.     But  with  glory 

How  shall  I  die  i  the  fatal  noose  appears 

To  be  so  base,  that  e'en  in  slaves  'tis  held 

Unseemly  thus  to  perish  ;  in  the  poniard. 

There's  somewhat  great  and  generous.    But  to  me 

Delaj^s  are  useless :  welcome  instant  death : 

Into  such  depth  of  misery  am  I  plung'd. 

For  beauty  renders  other  women  blest^ 

But  hath  to  me  the  source  of  ruin  prpv'd* 

CHORX7S. 

O  Helen,  whosoe'er  the  stranger  be 
Who  hither  came,  believe  not  that  the  whol^ 
Of  what  he  said,  is  truth. 

HELEN. 

.    But  in  plain  terms 
Hath  he  announc'd  my  dearest  Husband's  death. 

CHORUS* 
The  false  assertions  which  prevail,  are  many. 

HELEN. 

Clear  is  the  language  in  which  honest  TrutU 
Loves  to  express  herselfl 

CHORUS. 

You  are  inclined 
Kather  to  cj^edit  inauspicious  tidings 


/_, 


HELEN.  19 

Than  those  which  are  more  favourable. 

HCLEK. 

By  fears 
JBncompass'd,  am  I  hurried  to  despair. 

CHORtS. 
What  bospitabte  treatment  have  you  fc/und 
Beneath  these  roofs? 

AH  faere^  except  the  Man 
Who  seeks  to  wed  me,  are  my  friends. 

CHORUS. 

You  know 
How  then  to  aet:  leave  this  sepulchral  gloom. 

HELEN, 
What  are  the  connselji,  or  the  cheering  words 
You  wish  to  introduce? 

Go  Its,  and  question, 
The  Daughter  bf  the  Nereid,  bet  who  knows 
AH  hidden  truths,  Theoof>e,  if  your  Lord 
Yet  live,  or  view  the  solar  beams  no  more : 
And  when  you  have  learnt  this ;  as  suit  your  fortunes^ 
Indulge  your  joys,  or  pour  forth  all  your  tears : 
But  ere  you  know  aught  fully,  what  avail 
Your  sorrows  i  therefore  listen  to  my  words ; 
Leaving  this  tomb,  attend  the  Maid:  from  her 
Shall  you  know  all.    But  why  should  you  look  farther 
When  truth  is  in  these  mansions  to  be  found  { 
With  you  the  doors  Til  enter ;  we  together 
The  royal  Virgin's  oracles  wiU  hear. 
For  'tis  a  Woman's  duty  to  exert 
Her  utmost  efforts  in  a  Woman's  cause* 

My  friends,  your  wholesome  counsels  I  approve; 
But  enter  ye  these  doors,  that  ye,  within 
The  palace,  my  cdauvities  may  hear. 


^  HELEN. 

CHORUS. 

You  summon  her  who  your  commands  obeys 
Without  reluctance. 

Woeful  day !  ah  me. 
What  lariientable  tidings  shall  1  hear  ? 

CHORUS. 

Forbear  these  plaintive  strains,  my  dearest  Queen^ 
Nor  with  presaging  soul  anticipate 
Evils  to  come. 

HELEN. 
What  hath  my  wretched  Lord 
Endur'd  ?  Doth  he  yet  view  the  light,  the  Sun 
Borne  in  his  radiant  chariot,  and  the  paths 
Of  all  the  starry  train  ?  Or  hath  he  sharM 
The  common  lot  of  mortals,  is  he  plung'd 
Among  the  dead,  beneath  th'  insatiate  grave  ? 

CHORUS. 

O  construe  what  Time  yet  may  bring  to  pasft 
In  the  most  favQurable  terms. 

HELEN. 

On  thee 
I  call  to  testify,  and  thee  adjure, 
Eurotas,  on  whose  verdant  margin  grow 
The  waving  reeds  :  O  tell  me,  if  my  Lord 
Be  dead,  as  fame  avers. 

CHORUS. 

Why  do  you  utter 
These  incoherent  ditties  ? 

HELEN. 

Round  my  neck 
The  deadly  noose  will  I  entwine,  or  drive 
With  my  own  hand  a  poniard  thro*  my  breast: 
For  I  was  erst  the  cause  of  bloody  strife ;, 
But  now  am  f  a  victim,  to  appease 
The  wrath  of  those  three  Goddesses  who  strove 
On  Ida's  mount,  when  'midst  the  stalls  where  fed 


HELEN.  21 

His  lowing  herds^  the  Son  of  Priam  wakM 
The  sylvan  reed,  to  celebrate  my  beauty. 

CHORUS. 

Cause  these  averted  ills,  ye  Gods,  to  light 
On  other  heads ;  but,  O  my  royal 'Mistress, 
May  you  be  happy. 

Thou,  O  wretched  Troy, 
To  crimes  which  thou  hast  ne'er  committed,  ow^st 
Thy  ruin,  and  those  horrible  disasters 
Thou  hast  endur'd.     For,  as  my  nuptial  gifts. 
Hath  Venus  caus'd  an  intermingled  stream 
Of  blood  and  tears,  to  flow,  she,  griefs  to  griefs 
And  tears  to  tears  hath,  added  ;  all  these  sufferings 
Have  been  the  miserable  1 1  ion's  lot. 
Of  their  brave  Sons  the  Mothers  were  bereft. 
The  virgin  Sisters  of  the  mighty  dead 
Strew'd  their  shorn  tresses  on  Scamander's  banks, 
While,  by  repeated  shrieks,  victorious  Greece 
Her  woes  expressing,  smote  her  laureFd  head. 
And  with  her  nails  deep  furrowing  tore  her  cheeks. 
Happy  Calisto,  thou  Arcadian  nymph. 
Who  didst  ascend  the  couch  of  Jove,  transformed 
To  a  four-footed  savage,  far  more  blest 
Art  thou  than  she  to  whom  1  owe  my  birth  c 
For  thou  beneath  the  sembh.nce  of  a  Beast, 
Thy  tender  limbs  with  shaggy  hide  o'erspread. 
And  glaring  with  stern  visage,  by  that  change 
Didst  end  thy  griefs.     She  too  whom  Dian  drove 
Indignant  from  her  choir,  that  Hind  whose  horns 
Were  tipp'd  with  gold,  the  bright  (I  I)  Titanian  maid, 

(11)  ^'  Co,  here  pointed  out,  was  datighter  of  Merops  the  Titan,  and 
^  from  her  the  inland  Cos  obtained  its  name,  according  to  Snidas  and 
*^  Stephanus  Byzantinus:  Hyginus  mentions  her  in  his  second  book* 
^  Some,  according  to  Brodaeus,  suspect  a  daughter  of  Merops  and  Cly- 
^  mene  to  be  here  meant ;  others,  a  daughter  of  Paudaieus.  Tins  fable 
^  hath  cisrtainly  been  related  by  few  writers :  for  the  transformation  cf 


ft  HELEN. 

Daughter  of  Merops,  to  her  beauty  ow'd 

That  transformation  :  but  my  charmA  have  ruin'd 

Both  Troy  and  the  unhappy  Grecian  host. 

Exeimt  HELEN  and  chorus. 

MENELAUS. 
O  Pelops^  in  the  strife  on  Pisa's  field. 
Who  didst  outstrip  the  fiery  steeds  that  whirl'd 
The  chariot  of  Oenomaus,  would  to  Heaven 
That  when  thy  sever'd  limbs  before  the  Gods 
Were  at  the  banquet  plac'd,  thou  then  th}'  life 
Amidst  the  blest  immortal  Powers  hadst  clos'd. 
Ere  thou  my  Father  Atreus  didst  beget. 
Whose  is^ue  by  his  consort  £rope 
Were  Agamemnon  and  myself,  two  Chiefs 
Of  high  renown.    No  ostentatious  words 
Are  these  ;  but  such  a  numerous  host,  I  deem. 
As  that  which  we  to  Uion's  shore  conve^'d. 
Ne'er  stemm'd  the  tide  before ;  these  troops  their  King 
Led  not  by  force  to  combat,  but  bore  rule 
O'er  Grecian  youths  his  voluntary  subjects, 
And  among  these,  some  Heroes,  now  no  more, 
May  we  enumerate;  others  from  the  sea 
Who  'scap'd  wijh  joy,  and  to  their  homes  return'd, 
E'en  after  fame  had  class'd  them  with  t;he  dead. 
But  I,  most  wretched,  o'er  the  briny  waves 
Of  ocean  wander,  since  I  have  overthrown 
The  battlements  of  Troy,  and  tbo'  I  wish 
Again  to  reach  my  country ;  by  the  Gpds 
Am  I  esteem'd  unworthy  of  such  blisa. 
E'en  to  the  Libyan  deserts  have  I  sail'd, 

**  tiiis  Virgiii  is  ndtber  mentioned  by  Orid  nor  ApoUodomfr;  bnt  Eusta. 
^  Uiins,  p.  97, 1. 40,  %kA  p.  318,  L  35,  treats  of  the  remaiBing  part  of  th* 
^  iable."    Barnes. 

Having  since  referred  to  Brodseus*  note,  I  see  he  there  says  this 
^ymph  was  changed  into  a  hiod,  because  she  had  boasted  tliat  she  YffM 
more  )>eaatifiil  than  Diana, 


♦     _ 


HELEN.  ts 

And  tra^en'd  each  inbospitable  scetee 

Of  brutal  outrage ;  still  as  I  approaciT 

My  country,  the  tempestuous  winds  repel  me. 

Nor  hath  a  pi^osperous  breeze  Aeom  heaven  yet  fiird 

My  sails,  to  waft  me  to  the  Spartan  coast : 

And  now  a  shipwrecked  miserable  man. 

Reft  of  my  friends,  I  on  these  shores  am  cast, 

My  vessel  hath  b^en  shiver'd  'gainst  the  rocks 

Into  a  thpusand  fragments  :  on  the  keel, 

The  only  part  which  yet  remfains  entire 

Of  all  that  fabric,  scai^ee  could  I  and  Helen, 

Whom  i  from  Troy  have  borne,  escape  with  life 

Thro'  fortunes  unforeseen  :  but  of  this  land 

And  its  inhabitants,  the  name  I  know  not : 

For  with  the  crowd  I  blusli'd  to  intermingle 

(12)  Lest  they  my  squalid  garments  should  observe. 

Thro'  shame  my  wants  concealing.     For  the  man 

Of  an  exalted  station,   when  assaiFd 

By  adverse  fortune,  having  never  learn'd 

How  to  endure  cakttiity,  is  plung'd 

Into  a  state  far  worse  tban  he  whose  woes 

Have  been  qf  antient  date.    But  pinching  need 

(IS)  Many  of  tiie  Aetcriptioiis  of  Euripides  haye  been  censured  as  too 
tninnte :  Anstophanes,  in  his  Comedy  of  the  Frog^  introduces  ^scfaylof 
thus  expostulating  with  Euripides  for  dressing  up  Kings  iu  n^n  to  excite 
pity,    GaffikBjafhf  fuxf  etfJOitTy^iiitf  tv*    fXifiVu  voif    eiiAfummf  ^aswn^  nfw,     and 

Jn  another  part  of  the  same  piece,  calling  him  poiMwppMiTa^,  ^*  a  botcher 
'^  np  of  ragged  men.*  The  Scholiasts  have  pointed  these  strokes  of  ridi- 
cule at  the  two  Tragedies  of  our  Author,  of  which  Oeneus  kmg  of  Caly. 
don,  and  Telephus  king  of  Mysia,  are  tlie  subjects ;  but  the  small  re* 
mains  of  them  transmitted  to  us  are  not  sufficient  to  shew  whether  they 
merited  such  censnre.  But  Menelaus,  botli  in  the  soliloquy  before  us, 
and  that  in  which  foUows  liis  conyersation  with  the  Female  Servant,  not 
only  (according  to  Horace's  idea  of  a  Hero  exposed  to  indigence  and 
in  a  foreign  land)  lays  aside  all  big-rsounding'  words,  and  expresses  his 
grieft  in  a  strain  nearly  allied  to  prose,  but  descants  on  \m  poverty,  fats 
rags,  and  his  being  exposed  to  the  necessity  of  beggins:  for  food ;  and,  in 
a  later  speech  to  Theonoe,  discusftes  tlie  point  whether  it  be  fit  that  a 
Hero  should  shed  tears^  in  a  manner  which  will  be  apt  to  recal  th^  sneers 
•f  Aristophanes  to  the  memory  of  a  classi€id  reader. 


24  HELEN. 

Torments  me :  for  I  have  not  either  food 

Or  raijnent  to  protect  my  shivering  frame. 

Which  TOBy  be  gues$*d  from  these  vile  rags  I  wear 

Cast  up  from  my  wreek'd  vessel :  for  the  sea 

Hath  swallow'd  up  my  robes,  my  tissued  vests. 

And  every  ensign  of  my  former  state* 

Within  the  dark  recesses  of  a  cave 

Having  concealM  my  Wife,  that  guilty  cau^e 

Of  all  my  woes,  and  my  surviving  friends 

Enjoin'd  to  guard  her,  hither  am  I  come. 

Alone,  in  quest  of  necessary  aid 

For  my  brave  comrades  whom  I  there  have  left, 

If  by  my  sjearch  I-haply  can  obtain  it, 

I  roam  :  but  when  I  viewed  this  house  adqrn'd 

With  gilded  pinnacles,  and  gates  that  speak 

Thq  riches  of  their  owner,  I  advanced  : 

For  I  have  hopes  that  from  this  wealthy  m^ngion 

I,  somewhat  for  my  sailors,  shall  obtaip. 

But  they  who  want  the  necessary  comforts 

Of  life,  altho*  they  are  dispos'd  to  aid  us. 

Yet  have  not  wherewithal.     Ho  !  who  conie$  forth 

From  yonder  gate,  my  doleful  tale  to  bpaj: 

Jnto  the  house  ?  . 

FEMALE  SERVANT,  MENELAUS. 

FEMALE    SERVANT. 

Who  at  the  threshold  stands  ? 
Wilt  thou  not  hence  depart,  lest  thy  appearance 
Before  these  doors  give  umbrage  to  our  lords  ? 
Else  shalt  thou  surely  die,  because  thou  cam'st 
From  Greece,  who86  sons  shall  never  hence  return. 

MENELAUS. 

Well  hast  thou  spoken,  O  thou  aged  Dame. 
Wilt  thou  permit  me  f —  for  to  thy  behests 
Must  I  submit :    biit  suffer  me  to  speak.  ^ 

FEMALE    SERVANT. 

Depart :    for  'tis  my  duty  to  permit 


« 
I 


HELEN.  25 

No  Greek  to  enter  this  imperial  dome. 

MENELAUS. 

Lift  not  thy  hand  against  me^  nor  attempt  • 
To  drive  me  hence  by  force. 

FEMALE  SERVANT. 

Thou  wilt  not  yie|d 
To  my  advice,  thou  therefore  art  to  blame. 

MENELAUS. 

Carry  my  message  to  thy  lords  within. 

FEMALE   SERVANT. 

I  fear  lest  somewhat  dreadful  might  ensue, 
Should  I  repeat  your  words. 

MENELAUS. 

I  hither  come 
A  shipwreck'd  man>  a  stranger^  one  of  those 
Whom  all  hold  sacred^ 

FEMALE  SERVANT. 

To  some  other  house^ 
Instead  of  this/  repair. 

MENELAUS. 

I  am  determined 
To  enter :  but  comply  with  my  request. 

FEMALE   SERVANT. 

Be  well  assured  thou  art  unwf^lcome  here. 
And  shalt  ere  long  by  force  be  driven  away. 

MENELAUS. 
Alas!    alas !   where  are  my  valiant  troops  i 

FEMALE    SERVANT. 

Elsewhere^  perhaps^  thou  wert  a  mighty  man; 
But  here  art  thou  no  longer  such* 

MENELAUS. 

O.  Fortune, 
How  am  I  gall'd  with  undeserv'd  reproach! 

FEMALE  SERVANT. 

W  hy  are  thoseeye-lids  moist  with  tears,  why  griev'st  thou  ? 

•     MENELAUS.-     ' 

Because  I  once  was  happy. 


S6  HELEN, 

FEMALE  SERVANT. 

Then  depart^ 
And  mingle  social  tears  with  those  thou  lov'st; 

MENELAUS. 

But  what  domain  is  this,  to  wh(Mn  belong 
These  royal  mansions  i 

FEMALE   SERVANT. 

Protens  here  resides ; 
This  land  is  Egypt. 

MENELAUS. 

Egypt?  wretched  me! 
Ah,  whither  have  I  saiFd ! 

FEMALE  SERVANT. 

But  for  what  cause 
Scorn*st  thou  the  race  of  Nile? 

MENELAUS. 

I  scorn  them  note. 
My  own  disastrous  fortunes  I  bewail. 

FEMALE  SERVANT. 

Many  are  wretched,  tbou  in  this  respect 
Art  nothing  singular. 

MENELAUS. 

Is  he,  the  King 
Thou  speak'st  of,  here  within  i 

FEMALE  SERVANT. 

To  him  belongs 
This  tomb ;  bis  Son  is  ruler  of  this  laud. 

MENELAUS. 

But  where  is  he;  abroad,  or  in  the  palace? 

FEMALE  SERVANT. 

He's  not  within :  but  to  the  Greeks  he  bears 
The  greatest  enmity. 

MENELAUS. 

Whence  rose  this  hate, 
Productive  of  such  bitter  fruits  to  me? 

FOfALE   SERVANT.^ 

Beneath  these  roofs  Jove's  Daughter  Helen  dweUi. 


s. 


HELEN.  <87 

MENELAUS. 

What  mean'st  thou  f  Ha!  what  words  with  wonder  fraught 
Are  these  which  thou  hast  utter'd  I  O  repeat  them. 

FEMALE  SERVANT. 

The  child  of  Tyndarus^  she  who  in  the  realm 
Of  Sparta  erst  abode. 

MENELAUS. 

Whence  came  she  hither? 
How  can  this  be  ? 

FEMALE  SERVANT. 

From  Lacedaemon's  realm. 

MEN1&LAUS. 

When  ?  Hath  my  Wife  been  torn  from  yonder  cave  i 

FEMALE  SERVANT. 

Before  the  Greeks,  O  stranger,  went  to  Troy. 
Retreat  then  from  these  mansions,  for  within 
Hath'happen'd  a  calamitous  event. 
By  which  the  palace  is  disturbed.    Thou  com'st 
Unseasonfably,  and  if  the  King  surprise  thee. 
Instead  of  hospitable  treatment,  death  ' 
Must  be  thy  portion.    To  befriend  the  Greeks 
Tho'  well  inclin'd,  yet  thee  have  I  received 
With  these  harsh  words>  beeause  I  fear  the  Monarch. 

[Exit    FEMALE  SERVANT. 
MENELAUS. 

What  shall  I  say  I  For  i,  alas,  am  told 
Of  present  sorrows  added  to  the  past. 
Come  I  not  hither,  after  having  borne 
From  vanquished  Troy  my  Consort,  whom  I  left 
Within  yon  cave  well  guarded  ?  Yet  here  dwells 
Another  Helen,  whom  that  Woman  call'd 
Jove's  Daughter.    lives  there  on  the  banka  of  Nile 
A  man  who  bears  the  sacred  name  of  Jove  i 
For  in  the  Heavens  there's  only  one.      What  country. 
But  that  where  glides  Eurotas'  stream  beset 
With  waving  i:eedi$^  i^  Sparta  i  Tyndam^'  name 
Suits  him  alone.    But  is  there  any  land 
Synpnimous  with  Lacedsmon's  realm, 


n  HELEN. 

And  that  of  Troy?   I  know  not  bow  to  solve 

This  doubt ;  for  there  are  many,  it  appears. 

In  various  regions  of  the  world,  who  bear 

Like  appellationiS^,  city  corresponds 

With  city ;  woman  borrows  that  of  woman : 

Nor  must  we  therefore  wonder.    Yet  again 

Here  will  I  stay,  tho'  danger  be  announced 

By  yonder  aged  Servant  at  the  door : 

For  there  is  no  man  so  devoid  of  pity 

As  not  to  give  me  food,  ^hen  he  the  name 

Of  Menelaus  hears.    That  dreadful  fire 

By  which  the  Phrygian  bulwarks  were  consumed, 

I3  memorably,  and  I  who  kindled  it 

Am  known  in  every  land.    Til  therefore  wait 

Until. the  master  of  this  hopse  return. 

But  I  have  two  expedients,  and  will  practise 

That  which  my  safety  shall  require ;  of  soul 

Obdurate,  if  he  prove,  in  my  wreck'd  bark 

Can  1  conqe^l  niyself,  but  if  the  semblance 

Which  he  puts  on,  be  mild,  I  for  relief 

From  these  my  present  miseries,  will  apply^ 

But  this  of  all  the  woes  that  I  endure 

Is  the  most  grievous,   that  from  other  Kings 

I,  tho'  a  King  myself,  3hould  be  reduc'd 

To  beg  my  food :  but  thus  hath  Fate  ordain'd. 

Nor  is  it  my  assertion,  but  a  maxim  (13) 

Among  the  wise  established,  that  there's  nought 

More  powerful  than  the  dread  behests  of  Fate. 

.  HELEN,  CHORUS,  MENELAUS* 

CHORUS. 

I  heard  what  yon  prophetic  maid  foretold. 
Who  in  the  palace  did  unfold 

(IS)  **  In  the  Proverbi  of  Zenobius  we  meet  with  inrn;  enaTioic  via 
**  n^^^t^ :  adyersum  necessitatem  ne  dii  quidem  resistant,  is  one  of 
<<  £rasmus*ls  adages ;  and  ur^y^fiiilin  avaJxii  has  been  transmitted  dow9 
'^  to  ui  as  an  apophthegm  of  Thales."       BaoDAVt. 


The  oracled ;  that  to  the  shades  profoiind 

Of.  Erebus^  beneath  the  ground 
Interr'd^  not  yet  hath  Meneiaus  ta'en 

His  passage :  on  the  stormy  main 
Still  toss'd,  he  cannot  yet  approach  the  strand^ 

The  Haven  of  the  Spartan  land : 
The  Chief,  who  now  his  vagrant  life  bewails. 

Without  a  friendy  unfurls  his  sails, 
From  Ilion's  realm  to  every  distant  shore 

Borne  o'er  the  deep  witli  luckless  oar. 

HELEN. 

I  to  this  hallow'd  tomb  again  repair. 
Now  I  have  heard  the  grateful  tidings  utter'd 
By  sage  Theonoe,  who  distinctly  knows 
All  that  hath  happened?  for  she  says  my  Lord 
Is  living,  and  yet  views  the  solar  beams : 
But  after  passing  o'er  u n number 'd  straits 
Of  ocean,  to  a  vagrant's  wretched  life 
Full  long  inur'dj  on  these  -Egyptian  coasts. 
When  he  his  toils  hath  finish'd,  shall  arrive. 
Yet  there  is  one  thing  more,  which  she  hath  left 
Unmention'd,  whether  he  shall  come  with  safety^ 
This  question  I  neglected  to  propose, 
O'erjoy'd  when  she  inform*d  me  he  yet  lives ; 
She  also  adds,  that  he  is  near  the  land, 
From  his  wrecked  ship,  with  his  few  friends,  cast  forth, 
O  may'st  thou  come  at  length ;  for  ever  dear 
To  me  wilt  thou  arrive.     Ha!  who  is  that? 
Am  not  I  caught,  thro'  some  deceitful  scheme 
Of  Proteus'  impious  Son,  in  hidden  snares? 
Like  a  swift  courser,  or  the  madding  Priestess 
Of  Bacchus,  shall  I  not  with  hasty  step 
Enter  the  tomb,  because  his  looks  are  fierce 
Who  rushes  on,  and  strives  to  overtake  me? 

MENELAUS. 

On  thee  I  call,  who  to  the  yawning  trench 
Around  that  tomb,  and  blazing  altars,  hiest 


90  HELEN. 

Precipitate  :  stay  t  wherefore  dost  thou  fly  ? 
"With  what  amazement  doth  thy  presence  strike 
And  almost  leave  me  speechless ! 

HELEN. 

O  my  friends^ 
I  suffer  violence ;  for  from  the  tomb 
I  by  this  Man  am  dragg'd^  who  to  the  King 
Will  give  me,  from  whose  nuptial  couch  I  fled* 

MENELAUS. 
We  are  no  pirates,  nor  the  ministers 
Of  lustful  villany. 

H^LEN. 

Yet  is  thi  vest 
You  werir  unseemly* 

Stay  thy  rapid  flight, 
Dismiss  thy  fears. 

I  Stop,  now  I  have  reached 
This  hallow'd  spot. 

MENELAUS. 

Say,  Woman/  who  thou  art ; 
What  face  do  I  behold  ? 

HELEN. 
(  But  who  are  you  f 

For  I  by  the  same  reasons  am  induced 
To  ask  this  question. 

MENELAUS. 

Never  did  I  se^ 
A  greater  likeness.  * 

HELEN. 

O  ye  righteous  GodsJ 
For  'tis  a  privilege  the  Gods  alone 
Confer,  to  recognise  our  long  lost  friends. 

MENELAUS. 

Art  thou  a  Grecian  or  a  foreign  Dame  i 


HELEN.  81 

HELEN. 

Of  GrAce :  bu^  earnestly  I  wish  to  know 
Whence  you  derive  your  origin. 

MENEIAUS. 

In  thee 
A  wonderful  resemblance  I  ciiaoera 
Of  Helen. 

HELEN* 

Menelaus'  very  features 
Xhese  eyes  in  you  behold,  still  at  a  loss 
Am  I  for  words  t'  express  my  thoughts. 

MENELAUS. 

Full  dearly^ 
Hast  thou  discovered  a  most  wretched  man. 

HELEN. 

O  to  thy  Consort's  arms  at  length  restored ! 

MENELAUS. 

To  what  a  Consort  ?  O  forbear  to  touch 
My  garment ! 

HELEN. 

E'en  the  same,  whom  to  your  arms> 
•    A  noble  Bride,  my  Father  Tyndarus  gave. 

MENELAUS. 

Send  forthr  O  Hecate^  thou  orb  of  light. 
Some  more  benignant  spectre« 

HELEN. 

You  in  me 
Behold  not  one  of  those  who  minister 
At  Hecate's  abhorr'd  nocturnal  rites. 

MENELAUS. 

Nor  am  I  sure  the  Husband  of  two  Wives. 

HELEN. 

Say,  to  whom  else  in  wedlock  are  you  join'd  ? 

MENELAUS. 

To  her  who  lies  concealed  in  yonder  cave, 
7he  prize  I  hither  brings  f$om  vanquished  Tiroy. 


5«  HELEN. 

HEiiN. 
You  have  no  Wife  but  me. 

MENELAUS.  . 

If  I  retain 
My  reason  yet,  these  eyes  are  sure  deceived. 

HELEN. 
Seem  you  not  then,  while  me  you  thus  behold. 
To  view  your  real  Consort  f 

MENELAUS. 

Tho'  your  pei*son  # 

Resemble  hers,  no  positive  decision 
Can  I  presume  to  form. 

HELEN. 

Observe  me  well, 
And  mark  wherein  we  differ.     Who  can  judge 
With  greater  certainty  than  you  ? 

MENELAUS. 

Thou  bear*st 
Her  semblance,  I  confess. 

HELEN. 

Who  can  inform  you 
Better  than  your  own  eyes  ? 

MENELAUS. 

What  makes  me  doubt 
Is  this  ;  because  I  have  another  Wife. 

HELEN. 

To  the  domains  of  Troy  I  never  went: 
It  was  my  image  only. 

MENELAUS. 

Who  can  fashion 
Such  bodies,  with  the  power  of  sight  endued  ? 

HELEN. 

Composed  of  ether,  you  a  Consort  have. 
Heaven's  workmanship. 

MENELAUS. 

Wrought  by  what  plastic  God? 


HELEN.  SS 

For  the  events  thoa  speak'st  of  are  most  wondrotiB. 

HELEN. 
Lest  Paris  should  obtain  me^  this  exchange 
Was  made  by  Juno.       ' 

MENCLAUS. 

How  €otiId*st  thou  he  h&e. 
At  the  same  time,  and  in  the  Phrygian  realm  i 

HELEN. 

The  name,  but  not  the  body,  can  be  present 
At  once  in  many  places. 

•     MENELAU& 

O  release  me ; 
For  I  came  hither  in  an  evil  hour. 

HELEN. 

Will  you  then  leave  toe  here,  and  bear  away 
That  shadow  of  a  Wife  i 

MENEL4U:$. 

Yet  O  farewell^ 
Because  ihou  art  Hke  Helen. , 

HELEN. 

Fm  undone  r 
For  tho'  my  Husband  I  again  bav^e  fonnd^ 
Yet  shall  not  1  possess  him. 

MENELAUSk 

My  conv»ctioa. 
From  all  those  grievoits  toils  I  Yiare  endnr'd 
At  llion,  I  derive,  and  not  from  thee. 

HB1£N. 
Ah,  who  is  ther^  more  miserable  than- 1  amf  • 
My  dearest  friends  desert  me :  I^  to  Greece, 
To  my  dear  native  land,  shall  n^er  return. 

MESSENGER,  MENELAUS,  HELEN,  CHORUS. 

MESI^ENGER. 

After  a  tedious  search,  O  Menelaus, 
At  length  have  I  with  difHculy  found  you; 
But  not  till  over  all  the  wide  extent 

Toil.   Ill,  ]> 


34  HELEN. 

Of  this  Barbaric  region  I  had  wander'd ; 
Sent  by  the  comrades  whom  you  left  behind. 

MENEIAUS. 

Have  ye  been  plundered  then  by  the  Barbarians? 

MESSENGER. 

A  most  miraculous  event  hath  happen'd, 
Yet  less  astonishing  by  far  in  name 
Than  in  reality. 

MENELAUS. 

Speak,  for  thou  bring'st  . 
Important  tidings  by  this  breathlesi^  haste. 

MESSENGER. 

My  words  are  these;  in  vain  have  you  endur'd^ 
Unnumber'd  toils. 

MENELAUS. 

Those  thou  bewail'st  are  ills 
Of  antient  date.     But  what  hast  thou  to  tell  me  ? 

MESSENGER. 

Borne  to  the  skies  your  Consort  from  pur  sight 
Hath  vanished,  in  the  Heavens  is  she  concealed. 
Leaving  the  cave  in  which  we  guarded  her. 
When  she  these  words  had  utter'd  ;  ''  Q  ye  son* 
."  Of  hapless  Phrygia,  and  of  Greece :  for  me 
"  Beside  Scamander's  conscious  stream  ye  died, 
«  Thro'  Juno's  arts,  because  ye  falsly  deem'd 

Helen  by  Phrygian  Paris  was  possest ; 

But  after  having  here  remain*d  on  ea:rth  , 

My  stated  time,  observing  the  decrees 
*'  Of  Fate,  I  to  my  Sire  the  liquid  Ether 
*'  Return:  but  Tyndarus' miserable  Daughter 
'*  Tho'  guiltless  hath  uiyustly  been  accused.'* 
Daughter  of  Leda.hail !  wert  thou  then  here? 
While  I  as  if  thou  to  the  starry  paths 
Hadst  mounted,  thro'  my  ignorance  proclaimed 
Thou  from  this  world  on  rapid  wings  wert  borne 
But  I  no  longer  will  allow  thpe  thus 
To  sport  with  the  afflictions  of  thy  friends ; 


HELEN.  37 

All  that  thou  know!st;   for  pleasing  *tis  to  hear 
Of  labours  that  are  past. 

HELEN. 

•  I  never  went 

To  that  Barbarian  youth's  adulterous  couch 
By  the  swift  oar  impeird ;  but  winged  Love 
Those  hapless  spousals  form'd. 

MENELAUS. 

What  God,  what  Fate     ^ 
Hath  torn  thee  from  thy  country  f 

HELEN. 

O  my  Lord, 
(14)  The  Son  of  Jove  hath  piac'd  meorl  Ae  banks 
Of  Nile. 

MENELAUS. 

With  what  amazement  dfo  I  hear    ' 
This  wonderous  tale  of  thy  celestial  guide! 

HELEN. 

Oft  have  I  wept,  and  still  the  tear  bedews 
These  eyes:  to  Juno,  Wife  of  Jove,  I  owe 
My  ruin. 

MENELAUS. 

Wherefore  wish'd  she  to  have  heapM 
Mischiefs  on  thee  ? 

HELEN. 

Ye  sources  of  whatever 
To  me  hath  been  most  dreadful,  Oye  baths. 
And  fountains,  where  those  Goddesses  adorn'dl 
Their  rival  beauties,  from  whose  influence  rose 
That  judgement! 

mEnela'us. 

Were  those  curses  on  thy  head 
By  Juno  showered,  that  judgement  to  requite  f 

HELEN. 

To  rescue  me  from  Venus. 

(14)  Mercwy., 


58  HELEN. 

I 

MENELAUS* 

What  tbou  meitn'^t 
Inform  me. 

HELEN. 

Who  to  Paris  bad  engaged  -^ 

MENELAUS. 

O  wretched  woman ! 

HELEN. 

Wretched,  wretched  me  !• 
Thus  did  she  waft  me  to  th'  Egyptian  coast. 

MJEINEL/VUS. 

y     Then  in  thy  stead  to  iiim  that  image  gavej 
As  thou  inform'st  me« 

HELEN. 

But  alas,  what  woes 
Thence  visited  our  wretched  house!  ah  Mother! 
Ah  me! 

MENELAUS, 

What  say'st  thou  ?  ^ 

HELEN. 

Leda  is  no  mor^. 
Around  her  neck  she  fix'd  the  deadly  noose. 
On  my  account,  thro'  my  unhappy  nuptials 
O'erwhelm'd  with  foul  disgrace. 

MENELAUS. 

Alas  I «- but  lives 
Hermione  our  Daughter  ? 

HELEN, 

Yet  unwedded. 
Yet  childless,  O  my  Husband,  she  bewails 
My  miserable  'spousals,  my  disgrace. 

MENELAUS, . 

O  Paris,  who  hast  utterly  o'erthrowa 
All  my  devoted  house,  these  curst  events. 
Both  thee  (15),  and  Myriads  of  the  Grecian  troops 

(15)  That  Puis  was  no  longer  fiving,  b  evident,  not  only  from  this 
pi^88i|ge,  but  t|ie  whole  context  oi  tfaU  Tragedy,  llie  chronological  data 


HELEN.  3» 

With  brazen  arms  refulgent,  have  destroj'd. 

H£L£N. 
But  from  my  country  in  an  evil  hour. 
From  my  lov'd  native  city,  and  from  you, 
Me  hath  the  Goddess  driven,  a  wretch  accurs'd 
In  that  I  left  our  home,  and  bridal  bed, 
Which  yet  I  left  not,  for  those  ba«e  espousals, 

CHORUS. 

If  ye  hereafter  meet  with  happier  fortune. 
This  may  atone  for  all  ye  have  endur'd 
Already, 

MESSENGER, 

To  me  too,  O  Menelaus^ 
Communicate  a  portion  of  that  joy 
Which  I  perceive,  but  know  not  whence  it  springs. 

MENELAUS. 

Thou  too,  old  Man,'shalt  in  oux  conference  ahar^ 

MESSENGER^ 

Was  not  she  then  the  cause  of  all  the  woet 
Endur'd  ^tXroy? 

MENELAUS. 

Mot  she ;  we  were  deceived 
By  those  immortal  Powers,  whose  plastic  hand 
Moulded  a  clond  into  that  baleful  image* 

date  of  wUtk  (See  ▼•  78S  in  Bemes's  editioa)  cdnnot  be  less  tliaii  aeven 
yean  subsequent  to  the  Trojan  Captives,  where  the  death  of  Paris,  and 
Helen's  being  afterwards  married  to  Deiphobus,  are  particularly  men- 
tioned :  I  mean  the  comderfeit  Helen,  the  image  formed  of  unsubstantnd 
air,  for  we  find  the  reorf  Helen  was  aU  the  time  in  Pharos,  at  the  palace  of 
Proteus,  and  his  Son  Iheodymenus,  Kings  of  .£gypt.  But  a  singular 
mistake,  which  ipu^t,  no  doubt,  have  been  origmally  owing  eijther  to 
the  impertinence  of  some  ignorant  TVansqriber^  or  a  mere  error  of  the 
press,  occurs  inii  great  part  of  the  editions  and  iAtin  transbtions  of  tins 
piece,  whero  m  the  list  of  ^  Persons  of  the  Drama,"  the>oanie  of  Farit 
is  immediately  suljomed  to  that  of  Helen^  Barnes  and  GarmelM  have 
corrected  this  most  palpable  blunder:  but  the  reader  who  consults  Dc* 
Musgrave's  edition,  wiU  there  find  Pariiiin^erted  both  in  the  Oieeh  and 
l4tiD|  as  w  actor  m  thispiecei» 


40  HELEN. 

MESSENGER. 

What  words  arje  these  you  utiter?  have  we  toiFd 
In  vain,  and  only  for  an  empty  cloud  f 

MENELAUS. 

Thes^  deeds  were  wrought  by  Juno,  and  the  eUtife 
Twixt  the  three  Goddesses. 

MESSENGER. 

But  is  this  wopaaii 
Indeed  your  Wife  ? 

E'en  i^he  :  and  thop  for  this 
On  my  assertion  safely  nray'st  depend. 

MESSENGER. 

My  Daughter,  O  how  yariahle  is  Jove, 

Apd  how  inscrutable !  for  he  with  ease 

Whirls  us  around,  now  here,  now  there;  one  suffers 

Full  many  toils ;  another,  who  ne'er  knew 

What  sorrow  was,  is  swallow'd  up  at  once 

In  swift  perdition,  nor  in  Fortune's  gifts  ' 

A  firm  and  1/Eisting  tenure  dpth  enjoy. 

Thou  and  thy  Husband  have  endur'jd  a  war^ 

Of  slander  thou,  jbut  he  of  pointed  spears : 

For  by  the  tedious  labours  he  endur'd 

He  nothing  could  obtaiQ,  bi3]t  now  obtains 

The  greatest  and  the  happiest  of  all  boons. 

Which  comes  to  hijn  unsought.  Thou  faast  Botfbam'd 

Tliy  aged  Father,  and  the  Sons  of  Jove, 

Hot  acted  as  majiguj^pt  rumour  speaks. 

*^  I  now  renew  thy  hymeneal  rite. 

And  sttll  am  mii^dful  of  the  torch  I'*bore, 

Bunning  before  the  steeds,  when  in  a  car 

Thou  with  this  favoujr'd  Bridegroom  w.ert  convey'd 

From  thy  paternal  mansion's  happy  gates. 

For  worthless  is  that  Servant  whoifiegleots 

His  Masters'  interests,  nor  partake^  their  joys, 

Kor  ieels  for  their  afflictions.    I  was  bori| 


HELEN,  41 

ideed  a  Slave,  yet  l  with  geoerans  Slaves 
W^ouki  still  be  namber'd,  for  altho'  the  name 

I  bear  is  nbject,  yet  my  soul  is  free. 

Far  better  this,  than  if  1  had  at  once 
SufFer'd  two  evils,  a  conupied  heart, 

And  vile  subjection  to  another's  will.    • 

MENEL4US. 

Courage,  old  Man :  for  thau'  hast  borne  my  abield, 
And  in  my  cause  endur'd  unnumber'd  toils. 
Sharing  my  dangers:  now  partake  my  joys; 
Go  tell  the  friends  I  left,  what  thou  hast  seen, 
Apd  our  auspicious  fortunes :  on  the  shore 
Bid  them  remain,  till  our  expected  conflict 
Is  finished;  and  observe  how  we  may  sail 
From  this  loath'd  coast;  that,  with  our  better  fortune 
Conspirmg,  we  if  possible  may  'scape 
From  these  Barbarians 

MESSENGER. 

Your  commands,  O  King, 
Shall  be  obey'd.     But  I  perceive  how  vain 
And  how  replete  with  &lshood  is  the  voice 
Of  Prophets :  no  depiendance  can  be  plac'd 
Upon  the  flames  that  from  the  altar  rise^ 
Or  on  the  voices  of  the  featber'd  choir^ 
It  is  the  height  of  folly  to  suppose 
That  bi^ds  are  able  to  instruct  mankind. 
JPor  Calchas,  to  the  host,  nor  by  his  words 
Nor  signs,  declared,  *'  I  for  a  Cloud  behold 
'^  My  friends  in  battle  slain."    The  Seer  was  mute. 
And  Troy  in  vain  was  taken.     Bu   perhups 
You  will  rejoin,  *'  'twas  not  the  will  of  Heaven 
**  That  he  should  speak.*'    Why  then  do  we  consult 
These  Prophets?     We  by  sacrifice  should  ask 
For  blessiogs  from  the  Gods,  and  lay  a&ide 
All  auguries.    This  vain  delusive  bait 
Was  but  invented  to  beguile  mankind. 


4t  HELEN. 

No  sluggard  e'er  grew  rieh  by  Divination, 

The  best  of  Seers  are  Prudence  and  Discernment. 

lExit  MBSSENGE1K, 
CHORUS. 

My  sentiments,  on  Prophets  well  accord 
With  those  of  this  old  man.    He  whom  the  Gods 
Th'  immortal  Gods  befriend,  in  his  own  house 
Hath  a  response  that  never  can  mislead, 

HELEN. 

So  be  it.    AH  thus  far  is  well.    But  how 
You  came  with  safety,  O  unhappy  Man, 
From  Troy,  'twill  nought  avail  for  me  to  know; 
Yet  with  the  soiTows  of  their  friends^  have  friends 
A  wish  to  be  acquainted. 

MENELAUS. 

Thou  bast  ask'd 
A  multitude  of  questions  in  one  short 
And  blended  sentence.    Why  should  I  recount 
To  thee  our  sufferings  on  the  £gean  deep, 
Those  treacherous  beacons,  by  the  vengeful  hand 
Of  Nauplius  kindled  on  Euboea's  rocks. 
The  towns  of  Crete,  or  in  the  Liibyan  realm^ 
Which  I  have  visited,  and  the  fam'd  heights 
Of  (If))  Perseus  ?  never  could  my  words  assuage 
Thy  curiosity,  and,  by  repeating 
My  woes  to  thee,  I  should  but  grieve  the  morcji 
And  yet  a  second  time  those  sufferings  feeU 

(16)  Barnes  is  of  opinion  that  the  western  regions  of  AfHca,  wheit 
Perseus  overcame  the  GorgonS,  and  slew  their  Qoeen  Medusa,  (as  men- 
tioned in  Diodoms  Sicuhis,  Ovid's  Metamorphoses,  and  the  Dionysiaca 
of  Nonnns)  are  here  meant ;  bat  the  passage  in  Herodotns,  L,  ii,  15^  re- 
ferred to  by  Dr.  Musgrave,  mentions  liiarwc  numm,  as  sitnat^  in  the 
/Egyptian  Delta;  as  does  Strabo ;  and  after  hon  Cellarins,  and  the  hter 
geographical  writers :  but  Menelaus,  who  appears  never  to  have  been  in 
/Egypt  before,  is  represented  as  having  just  landed  on  the  adjacent  isle 
of  Pharos,  the  residence  of  its  Kings,  after  Imviog  been  drhren  to  otber 
parts  of  Africa,  and  is  therefore  more  likely  to  be  here  speaking  of  thoaa 
hills  where  Perseus  discomfited  the  Gorgons. 


HELEN.  43 

HKIJRN* 

You  in  your  answer  have  been  more  discreet 
Than'I  who  sncb  a  question  did  propose. 
But  pass  o'er  all  beside,  and  only  tell  me 
How  long  you  wander'd  o'er  the  briny  main* 

MENELAUS. 

Year  after  year,  besides  the  ten  at  Troy, 
Seven  tedious  revolutions  of  the  Sun, 

The  time  you  speak  of,  O  unhappy  Man, 
Is  long  indeed :   but  from  those  dangers  sav'd 
You  hither  come  to  bleed. 

MENELAUS.) 

What  words  are  these  ? 
.  What  dost  thou  mean  i  O,  how  hast  thou  undone  me ! 

HELEN. 

Fly  from  these  regions  with  your  utmost  speed ; 
Or  he  to  whom  this  house  belongs  will  slay  you. 

MENELAUS. 

What  have  I  done  that  merits  such  a  fate? 

j^ELEN. 

You  hither  come  an  unexpected  guest9 
And  are  a  hindrance  to  my  bridal  rite. 

MENELAUS.  s, 

Is  there  a  man  then  who  presumes  to  wed 
My  Consort  ? 

HELEN. 

And  with  arrogance  to  treat  me^ 
Which  I,  alas,  have  hitherto  endur'd. 

MENELAUS. 

Of  private  rank,  in  his  own  strength  alone; 
Doth  he  confide,  or  rules  he  o'er  the  laud  f 

HELEN. 

IfOrd  of  this  region,  royal  Proteus'  Son. 

MENELAUS. 

This  is  the  very  riddle  which  I  heard 
From  yonder  firmale  Seirvafit. 


44  HELEN. 

HELEN. 

Al  which  gate 
Of  this  Barharian  palace  did  jou  stand  ? 

MENEUIUS. 

Here^  whence  I  like  a  Beggar  was  rcpell'd* 

HELEN. 

What,  did  you  beg  for  food  i  ah  wretched  me! 

MENELAUS. 

The  fact  was  thus :  tho*  I  that  abject  name 
Assum'd  not. 

HELEN. 

You  then  know^  it  seems,  the  whole 
About  my  nuptials. 

MENELAUS. 

This  I  know  :  but  whether 
Thou  hast  escaped  th'  embraces  of  the  King 
I  still  am  uninform'd. 

HELEN. 
That  f  have  kept 
Your  bed  still  spotless,  may  you  rest  assured. 

MENELAUS. 

How  canst  thou  prove  the  fact  i  if  thou  speak  truth 
To  me,  it  will  give  pleasure. 

HELEN. 

Do  you  see. 
Close  to  the  tomb,  my  miserable  seat? 

MENELAUS. 

I  on  the  ground  beh^^  a  couch  :  but  what 
Hast  thou  to  do  with  that,  O  wretched  woman  i 

HELEN. 

Here  I  a  suppliant  bow  d,  that  I  might  'scape 
From  those  espousals. 

MENELAUS. 

Could'st  thou  find  no  ahar, 
Or  dost  thou  follow  the  Barbarian  mode  ? 

HELEN. 

Equally  with  the  tetnples  of  the  Gods 


HELEN.  45 

Will  this  proiect  me. . 

MENELAUS. 

Is  not  then  my  bark 
Allowed  to  waft  thee  to  the  Spartan  shore  ? 

,    HELEN. 

Rather  the  sword  than  Helen's  bridal  bed 
Awaits  you. 

MENELAUS. 

Thus  should  I  of  all  mankind 
Be  the  most  wretched. 

HELEN.  ^ 

Let  not  shame  prevent 
Your  scaping  from  this  land. 

MENELAUS. 

And  leaving  tfeee. 
For  whom  I  laid  the  walls  of  Hion  waste  i 

HELEN. 
Twere  better  than  to  perish  in  the  cause 
Of  me  your  Consort. 

'     MENELAUS. 

Such  unmanly  deeds 
As  these  thou  speak'st  of  would  disgrace  the  Chief 
Who  conquer'd  Troy. 

HELEN. 

You  cannot  slay  (he  King, 
Which  is  perhaps  the  project  you  have  form'd. 

MENELAUS. 

Hath  he  then  such  a  body  as  no  steel 
Can  penetrate  ? 

HELEN. 

My  reasons  you  shall  know. 
But  it  becomes  not  a  wise  man  f  attempt 
What  cannot  be  performed. 

'  MENELAUS. 

Shall  I  submit 
My  hands  in  silence  to  the  galling  chain  ? 

HELEN. 

Yoa  know  not  how  to  act  in  these  dire  straits 


46  HELEN.  t 

To  which  we  are  reduc'd :  but  of  some  plot 
Mu9t  we  avail  ourselves. 

MENEIAUS. 

Twere  best  to  die 
In  some  brave  action  than  without  a  conflict* 

H£X«ENa 

One  only  hope  of  safety  yet  remains. 

MENELAUS. 

By  gold  can  it  be  purchased,  or  depends  it 
On  dauntless  cpurage^  or  persuasive  words  i 

HELEN. 

Of  your  arrival  if  the  Monarch  hear  not. 

MENELAUS.  w 

Who  can  inform  him?  he  will  never  sure 
Know  who  I  am. 

HELEN. 
He  hath  a  sure  associate, 
Within  his  palace,  equal  to  the  Gods. 

MENELAUS. 

Some  voice  which  from  its  inmost  chambers  sounds? 

HELEN. 

No :  'tis  his  Sister,  her  they  call  Theonoe. 

MENELAUS. 

She  bears  indeed  a  most  prophetic  name ; 
But  say,  what  mighty  deeds  can  she  perform  i 

HELEN. 

All  things  she  knows,  and  will  inform  her  Brother 
That  you  are  here. 

MENELAUS. 

We  both,  alas,  must  die. 
Nor  can  I  possibly  conceal  myself. 

HELEN. 

Could  our  united  supplications  move  her  I 

MENELAUS. 

To  do  what  action  ?  into  what  vain  hope 
Would'st  thou  mislead  me  i 

HELEN. 

Not  to  tell  her  Brother 


HELEN.  4f 

That  you  are  in  the  laud. 

NENCXAUS* 

If  we  prevail 
Thus  far>  can  we  escape  from  these  domains  f 

HELEN* 

With  ease^  if  she  concur  in  our  design^ 
But  not  without  her  knowledge. 

MENELAUS. 

This  depends 
On  thee :  for  woman  hest  prevails  with  woman. 

H£1L£N« 

Around  her  knees  these  suppliant  hands  Til  twine. 

MENELAUS. 

Go  then :  but  what  if  she  reject  our  prayer? 

HELEN. 

You  certainly  must  die ;  and  I  by  force 
Shall  to  the  King  be  wedded. 

MENELAUS. 

"  Thou  betray'st  me; 
That  force  thou  talk'st  of  is  but  mere  pretence. 

HKIiEBi. 

But  by  your  (17)  head  that  sacred  oath  I  swear. 

MENELAUS. 

What  say'st  thou^  wilt  thou  die/ and  never  change 
Thy  Husband  ? 

,  (17)  Tyndarufly  in  the  Orestes  of  our  Aatbor,  t.  4Q5,  reproaches  hit 
son  in  Uiw  Menekus  with  having  dwelt  so  long  among  Barbarians  as  to 
adopt  their  mannen ;  and  I.  am  induced  to  thmk  that  Euripides  here 
means  to  copTey  the  same  idea  of  Helen;  as  the  <<  swearing  by  the  Head 
'^  9i  Amtkerjl'  with  which  Javenal  charges  the  degenerate  Greeks  of  his 
days,  and  no  doubt,  by  implication,  his  own  countrymen,  evidently  took 
its  origin  from  the  adulation  of  Slaves  to  their  Tyrants,  though  some- 
times made  use  of  with  regard  to  those  who  were  peculiarly  dear  t» 
them.  Athenaeus  mentions  the  usage  of  swearing  by  the  H^ui  on  oe- 
coymt  9i  Ug  bemg  sacred,  but  furnishes  no  quotation  apposite  to  the  pre- 
sent subject  If  we  descend  to  the  Latin  writers,  Virgil  represents 
iEntas  as  woni  to  swear  by  the  head  of  bii  son  Ascanius:  but  the  most 


48  HELEN. 

HELEN. 

By  the  selt-same  sword :  my  corse 
Shall  lie  beside  you. 

MENELAUS. 
To  confirm  the  words 
Which  thou  hast  spoken,  take  my  hand. 

HELEN. 

I  take 
Your  hand,  and  swear  that  after  you  are  dead 
I  will  not  live. 

MENELAUS. 

And  I  will  put  an  end 
To  my  existence,  if  deprived  of  thee. 

HEU£N« 

But  how  shall  we  die  ao  as  to  procure 
Immortal  glory  i 

MENELAUS. 

Soon  as  on  the  tomb 
Thee  I  have  slain,  myself  will  I  destroy. 
But  first  a  mighty  conflict  shall  decide 
Our  claims  who  to  thy  bridal  bed  aspire. 
Let  him  who  dares,  draw  near :  for  the  if aown 
I  won  at  Troy,  I  never  will  bely. 
Nor  yet  returning  to  the  Grecian  shore 
Suffer  unnumber'd  taunts  for  having  reft 
Thetis  of  her  Achilles,  and  beheld 
Ajax  the  Telamoniap  hero  slain, 

•xtrava^mt  flatteiy  uros  tiien  fl«qiicot ;  the  RoBMUit  iwore  by  tbe  HeaA 
of  their  Eisperor ;  and  the  two  lines  which  Ovid,  im  onfi  of  hit  Elegiei 
&9m  Pontofi,  puts  into  Hie  mooth  of  Cnpid, 

Per  mea  tela  ftces,  &  per  ^ea  tda  MM^ttas, 
P«r  naatrem  juro,  diesaretimque  caput 

By  every  torch,  by  cveiy  shaft  I  bear, 
My  Motiier  too,  aiid  CaBsar's  head,  I  swear. 

are  by  no  means  hud  before  the  reader  9s  a  spedmeo  of  pt^cnUar  lenrir 
tity  in  tliat  exiled  Bard,  bat  as  the  usual  l»u^;9afpp  ^  ^  F9^  wlion 
Augustus  patronised. 


HELEN.  4y 

(18)  With  Nelcus'  Grandson,  tho'  I  dare  not  bleed 
To  save  my  Consort.     Yet  on  thy  behalf 
^  Without  regret,  will  I  surrender  up 
This  fleeting  life :  for  if  the  Gods  are  wise 
They  lightly  scatter  dust  upon  the  tomb 
Of  the  brave  man  who  by  his  foes  is  slain  ; 
But  pile  whole  mountains  on  the  coward's  breast. 

CHORUS. 
O  may  the  race  of  Tantalus,  ye  Gods, 
At  length  be  prosperous,  may  their  sorrows  cease ! 

HELEN. 

Wretch  that  I  am !  for  such  is  my  hard  fate  : 
O  M enelaus,  we  arc  lost  for  ever. 
The  Prophetess  Theonoe,  from  the  palace 
Comes  forth  :  I  hear  the  sounding  gates  unbarr'd. 
Fly  from  this  spot.     But  whither  can  you  fly  ? 
For  your  arrival  here,  full  well  she  knows. 
Absent,  or  present.     How,  O  wretched  me. 
Am  I  undone!  in  safety^ you  return 
From  Troy,  from  a  Barbarian  land,  to  rush 
Again  upon  the  swords  of  fresh  Barbarians* 

THEONOE,  MENELAUS,  HELEN,  CHORUS. 

THEONOE,  to<fM<fher  Attendtmt9. 

Lead  thou  the  way,  sustaining  in  thy  hand 
The  kindled  torch,  and  fan  the  ambient  air. 
Observing  every  due  and  solemn  rite. 
That  we  may  breathe  the  purest  gales  of  Heaven. 
Meanwhile  do  thou,  if  auy  impious  foot 
Have  mark'd  the  path,  with  lustral  flames  efface 

(18)  Antilochiui  the  son  of  Nestor,  who,  according  to  Homer  hi  his 
Odyssey,  ivas  slain  by  Memmon :  in  Uie  text  it  stands  ewntu;  't*  veuia ; 
bat  Brodaeus  in  the  stead  of  evrtws  proposes  to  read  Vfcn^ ;  and  Dr. 
Mnsgrave  NijXaup,  as  a  smaller  variation  from  the  manuscripts.  Some  al« 
teration  is  evidently  requisite,  because  Acamas  and  Demophoon,  Uie 
two  sons  of  Theseus,  both  returned  safe  firom  Troy,  as,  Brodseus  oh- 
lenres,  Euripides  himself  has  mentioned  in  his  Tragedies  of  Hecuba, 
and  the  Children  of  Hercules, 

VOL.   III.  K 


I 


50  HELEN. 

The  taint,  and  wave  the  pitchy  brand  around. 

That  I  may  pass ;  and  when  we  have  perform'd 

Our  duteous  homage  to  th*  immortal  Powers, 

Into  the  palace  let  the  flame  be  borne. 

Restore  it  to  the  Lares.    What  opinion 

Have  you,  O  Helen,  of  th'  events  foretold 

By  my  prophetic  voice?  Your  Husband  comes 

Your  Menelaus  in  this  land  appears, 

Reft  of  his  ships,  and  of  your  image  reft. 

'Scap'd  from  what  dangers,  O  unhappy  man. 

Art  thou  arriv*d,  ahho'  thou  know'st  not  yet 

Whether  thou  e'er  shalt  to  thy  home  return, 

Or  here  remain.     For  there  is  strife  in  Heaven ; 

And  Jove  on  thy  account  this  day  will  hold 

A  coiincil;  Juno,  who  was  erst  thy  foe, 

Now  grown  benignant,  with  thy  Cojisort  safe 

To  Sparta  wquld  convey  thee,  that  all  Greece 

May  understand  that  the  fictitious  nuptials 

Of  Paris,  were  the  baleful  gift  of  Venus,, 

But  Venus  wants  to  frustrate  thy  return. 

Lest  she  should  be  convicted, .  or  appear 

At  least  the  palm  of  beauty  to  have  purchased 

By  vending  Helen  for  a  Wife  to  Paris. 

But  this  important  question  to  decide. 

On  me  depends ;  1  either  can  destroy  thee. 

Which  is  the  wish  of  Venus,  by  informing 

My  Brother  thou  art  here;  or  save  thy  life 

By  taking  Juno's  side,  and  thy  arrival 

Concealing  from  my  Brother,  who  enjoin'd  me 

To  inform  him  whehsoe'er  thou  on  these  shores 

Should'st  land.     Who  bears  the  tidings  to  my  Brother, 

That  Menelaus'  self  is  here,  to  save  me 

From  his  resentment? 

HELEN.      . 
At  thy  knees  I  fall, 
O  Virgin,  as  a'^suppliant,  and  here  take 
My  miserable  seat,  botti  for  myself. 


HELEN.  53 

Which  I  atchiev'd  at  Ilion  with  disgrace^ 

If  I  became  a  dastard ;  tho'  some  hold 

Tis  not  unworthy  of  the  brave  to  weep 

When  wretched:     But  this  honourable  part 

(If  such  a  part  can  e'er  be  honourable) 

I  will  not  act^  because  the  prosperous  fortunes 

Which  erst  were  mine,  are  present  to  my  soul. 

If  then  jou  haply  are  dispos'd  to  save 

A  foreigner  who  justly  claims  his  Wife, 

Restore  her,  and  protect  us :  if  you  spam 

Our  suit;  I  am  not  now  for  the  first  time. 

But  have  been  often  wretched,  and  your  name  . 

Shall  be  recorded  as  an  impious  woman* 

These  thoughts^  which  I  hold  worthy  of  myself. 

And  just,  and  such  as  greatly  must  affect 

Your  inmost  heart,  I  at  your  Father's  tomb 

With  energy  will  utter.  — Good  Old  man. 

Beneath  this  marble  sepulchre  who  dwell'st. 

To  thee  I  sue,  restore  my  Wife,  whom  Jove 

Sent  hither  to  thy  realm,  that  thou  for  me 

Might'st  guard  her.  Thou,  I  know,  since  thou  art  dead,  . 

Canst  neVr  have  power  to  give  her  back  again  : 

But  she,  this  holy  Priestess,  will  not  suffer 

Reproach  to  fail  on  her  illustrious  Sirp, 

Whom  I  invoke  amid  the  shades  beneath  : 

For  this  depends  on  her.    Thee  too  I  call, 

O  Pluto,  to  my  aid,  who  hast  receiv'd 

Full  many  a  corse,  which  fell  in  Helen's  cause 

Beneath  my  sword,  and  still  retain'st  the  prize : 

Either  restore  them  now  to  life,  or  force 

Her  who  seems  mightier  than  her  pious  Fathei;, 

To  give  me  back  my  Wife*    But  of  my  Consort 

If  ye  resolve  to  rob  me,  I  will  urge 

Those  arguments  which  Helen  hath  omitted. 

Know  then,  O  Virgin,  first  I  by  an  oath 

Have  bound  myself,  your  Brother  to  encounter. 

And  he,  or  I,  must  perish ;  ^he  plain  truth 


52  HELEN. 

In  which  I  am  involv'd ;  this  great  ex^tion 
Of  thy  benignant  aid,  my  fortanes  claim. 
Por  there  is  no  man  who  abhors  not  Helen ; . 
Tis  rumour'd  ihro'  all  Greece  that  I  betray'd 
My  Husband,  and  abode  beneath  the  roofs 
Of  wealthy  Phrygia.     But  to  Greece  once  more 
Should  I  return,  and  to  the  Spartan  realm ; 
When  they  are  told,  and  see^  how  to  the  arts 
Of  these  contending  Goddesses  they  owe 
Their  ruin ;  but  that  I  have  to  my  friends 
Been  ever  true,  they  to  the  rank  I  held 
'Midst  chaste  and  virtuous  matrons,  will  restore  me; 
My  Daughter  too,  whom  no  man  dares  to  wed. 
From  me  her  bridal  portion  shall  receive ; 
And  I,  no  longer  doom'd  to  lead  the  life 
Of  an  unhappy  vagrant,  shall  enjoy 
The  treasures  that  our  palaces  contain. 
Had  Menelaus  died,  and  been  consumed 
In  the  funereal  pyre,  I  should  have  wept 
For  him  far  distant  in  a  foreign  realm  ; 
But  now  shall  I  for  ever  be  bereft 
Of  him  who  li-ves,  and  seem'd  to  have  escaped 
From  every  danger.    Virgin,  act  not  thus ; 
To  thee  I  kneel  a  suppliant ;  O  confer 
On  me  this  boon,  and  emulate  the  justice 
Of  your  great  Sire.     For  fair  renown  attends 
The  children,  from  a  virtuous  father  sprung. 
Who  equal  their  hereditary  worth. 

THEONOE, 

Most  piteous  are  the  words  which  you  have  spoken; 
You  also  claim  my  pity :  but  I  wish 
To  hear  what  Menelaus  yet  can  plead 
To  save  his  life. 

MENELAUS. 

I  cannot  at  your  knees 
Fall  prostrate,  or  with  tears  these  eye-lids  stam : 
For  I  should  cover  all  lSi«  great  exploits 


HELEN.  53 

Which  I  atchiev'd  at  Ilion  with  disgrace. 

If  I  became  a  dastard  ;  tho'  some  hold 

Tis  not  unworthy  of  the  brave  to  weep 

When  wretched:     But  this  honourable  part 

(If  such  a  part  can  e'er  be  honourable) 

I  will  not  act>  because  the  prosperous  fortunes 

Which  erst  were  mine,  are  present  to  my  aoul. 

If  then  jou  haply  are  dispos'd  to  save 

A  foreigner  who  justly  claims  his  Wife, 

Restore  her,  and  protect  us:  if  you  spam 

Our  suit>  I  am  not  now  for  the  first  time. 

But  have  been  often  wretched,  and  your  name  . 

Shall  be  recorded  as  an  impious  woman. 

These  thoughts^  which  I  hold  worthy  of  myself. 

And  just,  and  such  as  greatly  must  affect 

Your  inmost  heart,  I  at  your  Father's  tomb 

With  energy  will  utter.  — Good  Old  man. 

Beneath  this  marble  sepulchre  who  dwell'st. 

To  thee  I  sue,  restore  my  Wife,  whom  Jove 

Sent  hither  to  thy  realm,  that  thou  for  me 

Might'st  guard  her.  Thou,  I  know,  since  thoo  art  dead,  • 

Canst  neVr  have  power  to  give  her  back  again  : 

But  she,  this  holy  Priestess,  will  not  suffer 

Reproach  to  fall  on  her  illustrious  Sirp, 

Whom  I  invoke  amid  the  shades  beneath  : 

For  this  depends  on  her.    Thee  too  I  call, 

O  Pluto,  to  my  aid,  who  hast  received 

Full  many  a  corse,  which  fell  in  Helen's  cause 

Beneath  my  sword,  and  still  retain'st  the  prize : 

Either  restore  them  now  to  lifie,  or  force 

> 

Her  who  seepis  mightier  than  her  pious  Fathei;, 

To  give  me  back  my  Wife,    But  of  my  Consort 

If  ye  resolve  to  rob  me,  I  will  urge 

Those  arguments  which  Helen  hath  omitted. 

JCuow  then,  O  Virgin,  first  I  by  an  oath 

Have  bound  myself,  your  Brother  to  encounter. 

And  he,  or  I,  must  perish ;  ^he  plain  truth 


.1 


54  HELEN. 

Is  this.    But  foot  to  foot  in  equal  combat^ 

If  he  refuse  to  meet  me,  and  attempt  i 

To  drive  us  suppliants  from  the  tomb  by  famine,  i 

My  Consort  will  I  slay,  and  with  the  sword 

Here  on  this  sepulchre  my  bosom  pierce. 

That  the  warm  current  of  our  blood  may  stream 

Into  the  grave.    Thus  shall  our  corses  lie 

Close  to  each  other  on  this  polish'd  marble;     , 

To  you  eternal  sorrow  shall  they  cause, 

And  foul  reproach  to  your  great  Father's  name* 

For  neither  shall  your  Brother  wed  my  Helen> 

Nor  any  man  beside :  for  I  with  me 

Will  bear  her;  if  i  cannot  bear  her  home. 

Yet  will  I  bear  her  to  the  shades  beneath. 

But  why  complain  ?  If  I  shed  tears,  and  act 

The  woman's  part,  I  rather  shall  become 

An  object  of  compassion,  than  deserve 

To  be  esteem'd  a  warrior.     If  you  list. 

Slay  me,  for  I  can  never  fall  inglorious. 

But  rather  yield  due  credence  to  my  words. 

So  will  you  act  with  justice,  and  my  Wife 

Shall  I  recover, 

CHORUS. 

To  decide  the  cause 
On  which  we  speak,  belongs  to  thee,  O  Virgin  ; 
But  30  decide  as  to  please  all. 

THEONOE. 

By  nature 
And  inclination  am  I  forni'd  to  act 
With  piety,  myself  too  I  revere : 
Nor  will  1  e'er  pollute  my  Sire's  renown. 
Or  gratify  my  Brother  by  such  means 
As  might  make  me  seem  base.     For  from  my  birth. 
Hath  justice  in  this  bosom  iix'd  her  shrine: 
(19)  And  since  from  Nereus  I  inherited 

(19) ''  Nereas,  the  Grand-father  of  Tbeonoe,  a  Sea  God,  was,  accord<^ 
^f  ing  to  Hesiod,  a  Prophet  of  unimpeached  veracity ; 


HELEN.  65 

This  temper^  Menelaua  will  I  strive 

To  save.     But  now  since  Juno  is  disposed 

To  be  your  friend,  with  her  will  I  accord : 

May  Venus  be  propitious^  tho'  her  rites 

I  never  have  partaken,  and  will  strive 

Por  ever  to  remain  a  spotless  Maid. 

But  I  concur  with  thee,  O  Menelaus, 

In  air  thou  to  my  Father  at  his  tomb 

Hast  said;  for  with  injustice  should  I  act 

If  I  restor'd  not  Helen  :  had  he  liv'd, 

My  Sire  9B  thee  again  would  have  bestow'd 

Thy  Consort,  and  her  former  Lord  on  Helen. 

For  vengeance,  in  the  shades  of  Hell  beneath. 

And  among  all  that  breathe  the  vital  air^ 

Attends  on  those  who  break  their  plighted  trust. 

The  soul  (20)  of  the  deceas'd,  altho'  it  live 

Indeed  no  longer,  yet  doth  still  retain 

A  consciousness  which  lasts  for  ever,  lodg'd 

In  the  eternal  scene  of  its  abode. 

The  liquid  Ether.     To  express  myself  , 

'^  Nt^ia  T*  ui^suitet  wu  eih0fa  yttfah  vswfkc^ 

'^  Af0i1eUf  a:>J\a  iiyuua  %m  ifltm  htttn  oijfv.  ThEOG.  ▼•  25S. 

''  Old  Nereiis  to  the  Sea  was  born  of  Eartli, 

^  Nereas  who  ctwms  the  precedence  in  birth 

'<  To  their  descendants ;  him  Old  God  tliey  call, 

''  Because  shicere  and  afiable  to  all ; 

'*  In  judgement  moderation  he  preserves^ 

•*  And  never  from  the  paths  of  Justice  swei-ves.  Cooke. 

''  and  Horace,  in  the  fifteenth  Ode  of  die  first  Book,  pves  us  his  fa- 
"  mous  prophecy  in  regard  to  tlie  war  of  Troy."        Barnes. 

(20)  *'  From  this  passage  may  be  discovered  tbe  true  interpretation  of 
'*  the  opinion  of  Anaxagoras  and  Euripides  ;  that  the  soul  of  man  is  not 
*'  immediately  after  death  dissolved  and  scattered  in  tlie  air,  but  when 
''  received  into  the  free  ether,  as  into  an  immortal  vehicle,  does  not  live 
'*  in  the  manner  we  do,  but  enjoys  an  immortal  consciousness  and  a  bet* 
"  ter  life,  which  is  the  true  life  of  spirits'*        Barnes. 

The  reader  will  see  the  subject  further  discussed  by  that  learned  com- 
mentator^ on  referring  to  his  notes  on  v.  535,  and  v,  1140,  of  the  Supr, 
jpliants,  and  v.  529  of  .the  Heraclidae. 


56  HELEN. 

Concisely,  all  that  you  requested  me 

Will  I  conceal,  nor  with  my  counsels  aid 

My  Brother's  folly;  I  ta  him  shall  shew  , 

A  real  friendship,  tho'  without  the  semblance. 

If  I  his  vicious  manners  can  reform 

And  make  him  more  religious*    Therefore  find 

Means  to  escape  yourselves ;  for  I  will  hence 

Depart  in  silence.     First  implore  the  Gods; 

To  Venus  sue,  that  she  your  safe  return 

Would  suffer;  and  to  Juno,  not  to  change 

The  scheme  which  she  hath  form'd,  both  to  preseiw 

Your  Lord  and  you.    O  my  departed  Sire, 

For  thee  will  I  exert  my  utmost  might, 

That  on  thy  honour'd  name  no  foul  reproach 

May  ever  rest.  {Exit  theonok. 

CHORUS. 

No  impious  man  e'er  prosper'^: 
But  fairest  hopes  attend  an  honest  cause. 

HELEN. 

O  Menelaus,  as  to  what  depends 
Upon  the  royal  Maid,  are  we  secure: 
But  next  doth  it  become  you  to  propose 
Some  means  our  safety  to  effect 

MENELAUS. 

Now  listen 
To  me  ;  thou  in  this  palace  long  hast  dwelt. 
An  inmate  with  the  servants  of' the  King. 

HELEN. 

Why  speak  you  thus  ?  for  you  raise  hopes,  as  tho* 
You  could  do  somewhat  for  our  common  good. 

MENELAUS. 

Canst  thou  prevail  on  any  one  of  those 
Who  guide  the  harnessM  steeds,  to  furnish  us 
With  a«.vift  car? 

HELEN. 
Perhaps  I  might  succeed 
In  that  attempt.     But  how  shali  we  escape 


I 

I 

I 


56  HELEN. 

Concisely,  all  that  you  requested  me 

Will  I  conceal,  nor  with  my  counsels  aid 

My  Brother's  folly;  I  to>bim  shall  shew  , 

A  real  friendship,  tho'  without  the  semblance,  < 

If  I  his  vicious  manners  can  reform 

And  make  him  more  religious.   Therefore  find 

Means  to  escape  yourselves ;  for  I  will  hence 

Depart  in  silence.     First  implore  the  Gods; 

To  Venus  sue,  that  she  your  safe  return 

Would  suffer;  and  to  Juno,  not  to  change 

The  scheme  which  she  hath  form'd,  both  to  preserve 

Your  Lord  and  you.    O  my  departed  Sire, 

For  thee  will  I  exert  my  utmost  might, 

That  on  thy  honour'd  name  no  foul  reproach 

May  ever  rest.  \^Exii  theonoe.  a 

CHORUS. 

No  impious  man  e'er  prosper'^: 
But  fairest  hopes  attend  an  honest  cause. 

HELEN. 

O  Menelaus,  as  to  what  depends 
Upon  the  royal  Maid,  are  we  secure : 
But  next  doth  it  become  you  to  propose 
Some  means  our  safety  to  effect 

MENELAUS. 

Now  listen 
To  me  ;  thou  in  this  palace  long  hast  dwelt. 
An  inmate  with  the  servants  of'  the  King. 

HELEN. 

Why  speak  you  thus  ?  for  you  raise  hopes,  as  tho* 
You  could  do  somewhat  for  our  common  good. 

MENELAUS. 

Canst  thou  prevail  on  any  one  of  those 
Who  guide  the  harnessM  steeds,  to  furnish  us 
With  a«.vift  car? 

HELEN. 
Perhaps  I  might  succeed 
In  that  attempt.     But  how  shali  we  escape. 


HELEN.  51 

Who  to  these  fields  and  this  Barbarian  land 
Are  strangers  ?  An  impracticable  thing 
Is  this  you  speak  of. 

MENELAUS.. 

Well^  but  in  the  palace 
Conceard;  if  with  this  sword  the  King  I  slay. 

His  Sister  will  not  suffer  this  in  silencei 
If  you  attempt  aoght  'gainst  her  Brother's  life* 

MENELAUS. 

We  have  no  ship  in  which  we  can  escape ; 
For  that  which  we  brought  hither^  by  the  waves 
Is  swaliow'd  up. 

HELEy* 

Now  hear  what  I  propose ; 
From  woman's  lips  if  wisdom  ever  flow. 
Will  you  permit  a  rumour  of  your  death 
To  be  dispersed  f 

MENEIAUS. 
This  were  an  evil  omen : 
But  I,  if  any  benefit  arise 
From  such  report^  consent  to  be  cali'd  dead 
While  I  yet  Jive. 

I  iiEIiEri. 

That  impious  Tyrant's  pity, 
Our  female  choir  shall  move,  with  tresses  shorn. 
And  chaunt  funereal  strains. 

MENELAUS. 

What  tendency 
Can  such  a  project  have  to  our  deliverance? 

'  HELEN. 

I  will  allege  that  'tis  an  antient  custom ; 
And  of  the  Monarch  his  permissipn  crave, 
That  I  on'you,  as  if  yon  in  the  sea 
Had  perish'd,  may  bestow  a  vacant  tomb. 

MENELAUS. 

If  he  consent^  bow  can  this  feign'd  intef mejat 


58  HELEN.  ^   , 

Enable  us  to  fly  without  a  ship  ? 

HELEK. 

I  will  command  a  bark  to  be  prepar'd. 
From  whence  into  the  bosom  of  the  deep 
Funereal  trappings  I  may  cast. 

MENELAUS. 

How  well 
And  wisely  hast  thou  spoken  !  but  the  tomb 
If  be  direct  thee  on  the  strand  to  raise^ 
Nought  can  this  scheme  avail. 

HEI^N« 

But  I  will  say 
'Tis  not  the  usage,  in  a  Grecian  realm, 
With  earth  to  cover  the  remaips  of  those 
Who  perish'd  in  the  waves. 

MENELAUS. 

Thou  hast  again 
Remov'd  this  obstacle  :  I  then  with  thee 
Will  sail,  and  the  funereal  trappings  place 
In  the  same  vessel. 

HELEN. 
'Tis  of  great  importance 
That  you,  and  all  those  mariners  who  'scap'd 
The  shipwreck,  should  be  present. 

MENELAUS. 

If  we  find' 
A  bark  at  anchor,  with  our  falchions  arm'd 
In  one  collected  band  will  we  assail 
And  board  it. 

HELEN. 

To  direct  all  this,  belongs 
To  you  ;  but  may  the  prosperous  breezes  fill 
Our  sails,  and  guide  us  o'er  the  billowy  deep, 

MENELAUS. 
These  vows  shall  be  accomplished  ;  for  the  Gods 
At  length  will  cause  my  toils  to  cease:  but  whence 
Wilt  thou  pretend  thou  beard'iu  that  I  was  dead? 


HELEN.  69 

HELEN. 

Yourself  shall  be  the  messenger ;  relate 
How  you  alone  escap*d^his  piteous  doonii 
A  partner  of  the  voyage  with  the  Son 
Of  Atreus,  and  the  witness  of,  his  death. 

MENEIAUS. 

This  tatter'd  vest  will  testify  my  shipwreck. 

HELEN. 

How  seasonable  was  that  which  seem'd  at  first 
To  be  a  grievous  loss!  but  the  misfortune 
May  end  perhaps  in  bliss. 

MENELAUS. 

Must  I  with  thee 
Enter  the  palace,  or  before  this  tomb 
Sit  motionless?  ' 

HELEN. 
Here  stay :  for  if  the  King 
By  force  should  strive  to  tear  you  hence,  this  tomb 
And  your  drawn  sword  will  save  you. ,   But  Fll  go 
To  my  apartment,  shear  my  flowing  hair, 
For  sable  weeds  this  snowy  vest  exchange, 
.  And  rend  with  bloody  nails  these  livid  cheeks ; 
For  'tis  a  mighty  conflict,  and  I  see 
These  two  alternatives;  if  in  my  plots 
Detected,  I  must  die;  or  to  my  country 
I  shall  return,  and  save  your  life.    O  Juno, 
Thou  sacred  Queen,  who  shar'st  the  couch  of  Jove, 
Relieve  two  wretches  from  their  toils;   to  thee 
Our  suppliant  arms  uplifting  high  t'wards  Heaven 
With  glittering  stars  adorn'd,   thy  blest  abode. 
We  sue:  and  thou,  O  Venus,  who  didst  gain 
The  palm  of  beauty  thro'  my  promis'd  'spousals. 
Spare  me,  thou  Daughter  of  Dione,  spare  (^i); 

(21)  ''  There  were  two  Vemises,  tlie  one  sprung  from  the  Sea,  the 
^  other,  from  Uione  and  Jupiter,  on  which  sat^ect  Plato  in  his  Banquet, 
f^  remarks,  that  since  there  arc  two  Venuses  tiiere  most  of  necessity  be 
''  two  Loves.    For  it  is  undeniabie  that  two  different  Goddesses  there 


60  HELEN. 

For  thou  enough  hast  injured  me  already ; 

Exposing  not  my  person,  but  my  name^ 

To  those  Barbarians  :  suffer  me  to  die 

If  thou  wilt  slay  me,  in  my  native  land. 

Why  art  thou  still  insatiably  malignant? 

Why  dost  rhou  harrass  me  by  love,  by  fraud, 

By  the  invention  of  these  new  deceits. 

And  by  thy  magic  philtres  plunge  in  blood 

Our  miserable  house  ?  If  thou  hadst  ruYd 

With  mildness,  thou  to  man  hadst  been  most  grateful 

Of  all  the  Gods.     I  speak  not  this  at  random. 

[HELEN  and  MEN£LAils  retire  behind  the  tomb. 

CHORUS. 

ODE. 
L   1. 

On  thee  who  build'st  thy  tuneful  seat 
Protected  by  the  leafy  groves,  I  call, 
O  Nightingale,  thy  accents  ever  sweet 
Their  murmuring  melancholy  fall 
Prolong  ?  O  come,  and  with  thy  plaintive  strain 

Aid  me  to  utter  my  distress. 
Thy  woes,  O  Helen,  let  the  song  express. 
And  those  of  Troy  now  levell'd  with  the  plaiti 
By  Grecian  might.     From  hospitable  shores. 

Relying  on  Barbaric  oars. 
The  spoiler  Paris  fled. 
And  o'er  the  deep  to  Priam's  realm  with  pride 

Bore  his  imaginary  bride, 

"  are,  each  of  vfhom  is  a  Venus :  one  of  them,  the  elder,  who  had  no 
"  Mother,  and  was  bom  only  from  Uranus,  or  Heaven  her  Father,  she 
"  is  called  the  celestial  Venus :  the  other,  younger,  Daughter  of  Jupiter 
"  and  Dione;  and  to  her  we  give  the  name  of  tlie  vulgar  Venus. 
^  Sydenham.''    Barikes, 

On  turning  to  Hesiod,  Theog.  v.  180—200,  the  reader  will  find  a  cir- 
cumstantial history  of  the  birth  of  the  elder,  or  celestial  Venus,  and  the 
two  accounts  of  her  being  sprung  from  Ouranus  without  a  Mother,  and 
from  the  Sea,  perfectly  reconciled. 


HELEN.  61 

Fancying  that  thou  hadsi  graced  his  bed, 
To  nuptials  fraught  with  «hame  by  wanton  Venus  led* . 

I.  2. 

Unnumber'd  Greeks,  transpierced  with  spears. 
Or  crush'd  beneath  the  falling  ramparts,  bled  : 
Hence  with  her  tresses  shorn,  immersM  in  tears 

The  Matron  wails  her  lonely  bed. 
But  Nauplius,  kindling  near  th'  Eubcean  deep 

Those  torches,  o'er  our  host  prevaii'd ; 
Tho'  with  a  single  bark  the  traitor  sail'd. 
He  wreck'd  whole  fleets  against  Capbareus'  steep, 
And  the  £gean  coasts,  the  beacon  seem'd 

A  star,  and  thro*  Heaven's  concave  gleamfd, 
Plac'd  on  the  craggy  height* 
While  flush 'd  with  conquest,  fix>m  the  Phrygian  strand 

They  hastenM  to  their  native  land. 

Portentous  source  of  bloody  fight. 
The  Cloud  by  Juno  formM,  beguilVl  their  dazzled  sight. 

II.  !. 
Whether  the  Image  was  divine, 

Drew  from  terrestrial  particles  its  birth. 
Or  from  the  middle  region,  how  define 

By  curious  search,  ye  Sons  of  Earth  f 
Far  from  unravelling  Heaven's  abstruse  intents. 

We  view  the  world  tost  to  and  fro, 
Mark  strange  vicissitudes  of  joy  and  woe, 
Discordant  and  miraculous  events. 
Thou^  Helen,  art  indeed  the  child  of  Jove, 

The  Swan,  thy  Sire^  inflamM  by  love. 
To  Leda^  bosom  flew : 
Yet  with  imputed  crimes  malignant  Fame 

Thro*  Greece  arraigns  thy  slandered  name. 

Of  men  I  know  not  whom  to  trust. 
But  what  the  Gods  pronounce  have  I  found  ever  just. 

11.  2. 

Frantic  are  ye  who  seek  renown 
Amid  the  horrbrs  of  th'  embattled  field,    • 


62  HELEN. 

Who  masking  guilt  beneath  a  laurel  crowir 
With  nervoos  arm  the  falchion  wield. 

Not  slaughter'd  thousands  can  your  fury  sate. 
If  still  success  the  jud(;ement  guide, 
'  If  bloody  battle  right  and  wroug  decide. 

Incessant  strife  must  vex  each  rival  state : 

Hence  from  her  home  departs  each  Phrygiaa  wife, 
O  Helen,  when  the  cruel  strife 

Which  From  thy  charms  arose. 

One  conference  might  have  clos'd  :  now  myriads  dwell 
With  Pluto  in  the  shades  of  hell. 
And  flames,  as  when  Jove's  vengeance  dirows 

The  bolt,  have  caught  her  towers  anti  finished  Ilion's 
woes. 

THEOCLYMENUS,  CHOPiUS,   (HELEN  and 
MENELAUS  behind  the  tomb.) 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

Hail,  O  thou  tomb  of  my  illustrious  Sire! 
For  thee  have  I  interred  before  my  gate. 
That  with  thy  shade  I  might  hold  frequent  conference, 
O  Proteus ;  Theoclymenus  thy  Son, 
Thee,  O  my  Father,   oft  as  he  goes  forth,] 
Oft  as  he  enters  these  abodes^  accosts. 
But  to  the  palace  now  convey  those  hounds 
And  nets,  my  Servants.     I  full  many  a  time 
Have  blam'd  myself,  because  I  never  punish'd 
With  death  such  miscreants;   now  I  am  informed 
That  publicly  some  Greek  to  these  domains       ^   • 
Is  come  nnnotic'd  by  my  guards,  a  spy. 
Or  one  who  means  to  carry  Helen  off 
By  stealth :    but  if  I  seize  him,  he  shall  die. 
Methinks  I  find  all  over:   for  the  Daughter 
Of 'Tyndarus  sits  no  longer  at  the  tomb. 
But  from  these  shores  hath  fled,  and  now  is  crossing 
The  billowy  deep.     Unbar  the  gates,  bring  forth 
Mydcourseis  from  the  stalls,  and  brazen  tsLXs ; 


HELEN.  63 

Xest  thto*  my  mraut  of  vigilaQce  the  Dafne 

Whom  I  \vould  make  my  Consort,  should  escape  me; 

Borne  from  this  land.—- Yet  stay ;   for  I  behold 

Those  we  pursue  still  here  beneath  this  roof^ 

Nor  are  they  ikd.    Ho  !   why  in  sable  Test 

Hast  thou  array'd  thyself>  why  cast  aside 

Thy  robes  of  white,  and  from  thy  gracefiil  head 

With  ruthless  steel  thy  glowing  ringlets  shorne. 

And  wherefore  batb'd  thy  cheek  with  recent  tea^s  t 

Groan'st  thou,  by  visions  of  the  night  apprised 

Of  some  calamity,  or  hast  thou  beard 

Within,  a  rumour  that. a£3ictft  thy  soul  f 

HELEN. 

My  Lord,  (f6r  I  already  by  that  name  i- . 

Accost  you,)  I  am  .utterly  undone, 
My  former  bliss  b  vanii^M,  and  I  now 
Am  nothing*  ' 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

Art  thou  plunged  into  distress 
So  irretrievable  f  what  cruel  Fate 
Hath  overtaken  thee  i 

HELEN* 

My  Menelaus, 
(Ah^  bow  shall  {  express  myself?)  is  dead. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

Altho'  I  must  not  tri<iQiph  in  th'  even 
Thou  speak'st  of;  yet  to  me  'tis  most  auspicious. 
How  know'st  thou?  Did  Theonoe  tell  thee  this? 

HELEN. 
She  and  this  mariner,  who  when  he  perish'd 
Was  present,  both  concur  in  the  same  tale. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

Is  there  a  man  arrived,  who  for  the  truth 
Of  that  account  can  vouch  ? 

HELEN. 

He  is  arrived ; 


m  HELEN. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

Bat  did  be  leave 
Tby  Husband's  corse  unburiedi  or  strew  dust 
O'er  his  remains? 

HELEN. 

He  left  them  uninterr'd. 
Ah,  wretched  me ! 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

And  didst  thou  for  this  cause 
Sever  the  ringlets  of  thy  auburn  hair  ? 

HELEN. 

Still  is  he  dear,  lodg*d  in  this  faithful  breast. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

Hast  thou  sufficient  reason  then  to  weep 
For  this  calamity  ? 

HELEN. 

Could  you  bear  lightly 
Yout  Sister's  death  i 

THEOCLYMENUS, 

No  surely.     But  what  means 
Tby  still  residing  at  this  marble  tomb? 

HELEN. 

Why  do  you  harrass  me  with  taunting  words> 
And  why  disturb  the  dead  ? 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

Because,  still  constant 
To  thy  first  Husband,  from  my  love  thou  fliest. 

HELEN. 

But  I  will  fly  no  longer :  haste,  begin 
The  nuptial  rite. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

'Twas  long  ere  thou  didst  come 
To  this :  but  I  such  conduct  must  applaud. 

HELEN* 
Know  you  then  how  to  act  ?  let  us  forget 
All  that  has  pasa'd. 


HELEN.  67 

TH£OCLYM£NUil. 

Upon  what  terms?  with  kindness 
Should  kindness  be  repaid. 

HELpN. 

Let  us  condude 
The  peace^  and  O  be  reooncil'd.    ' 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

AH  strife 
With  thee  I  to  the  winds  of  Heaven  consign. 

HELEN. 

Now,  since  you  ax*e  my  friend,  I  by  those  knees 
Conjure  you, 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

With  what  object  in  thy  view, 
To  me  an  earnest  suppliant  dost  thou  bend  ? 

HELEN. 

I  my  departed  Husband  would  inter. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

What  tomb  can  be  bestow*d  upon  the  absent? 
Would'st  thou  inter  his  shade  ? 

HELEN. 

There  is  a  custom 
Among  the  Greeks  established,  tliat  the  man 
Who  in  the  ocean  perishes  — 

THEOCLYMENUS.  ,       v 

What  is  it  ? 
For  in  such  matters  Pelops'  race  are  wise. 

HELEN. 

To  bury  in  their  stead  an  empty  vest. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

Perform  funereal  rites,  and  heap  the  tomb 
On  any  ground  thou  wilt. 

HELEN. 
We  in  this  fashion 
Bury  not  the  drown'd  mariner. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

How  then  i 
V  2 


•v: 


69  HELEN. 

I  am  a  stranger  to  tlie  XScecian  customs. 

HELEN. 

Each  pious  gift  due  to  our  .breathless  frieaifs 
We  cast  into  the  sea. 

lȣOGLYMENUS. 

On  the  DeceasM 

What  presents  for  tby  <6ake  caa  I  bestow  i 

HELENa 

I  know  ^iKxt :  for  in  offices  like  these 
Am  I  unpractis'd^  having  erst  been  happy. 

THEOCLVMj&NUS. 

An  acceptable  niessage  have  you  brought^ 
O  stranger. 

MENELAUS. 

Most  ungrateful  to  myself 
And  the  Deceased. 

THEOa:-Y»fENOT. 

Wiiat  funereal  rites  on  those 
Ocean  liath  swallow'd  up,  do  ye  bestow  f 

MENEIAUS. 

Such  honours  as  each  indiyidual's  wealth 
Enables  «s  >to  pay  him. 

THEQGLYMENUa. 

Name  the  4;ost, 
And  for  her  sake  receive  whatever  you  will. 

MENELAUS. 

Blood  is  our  first  libation  to  the  dead. 

Tll£0€i;rM£NUS. 

What  blood  i  inform  me^  for  with  your  insimctions 
I  will  comply. 

M^NELAVS. 

Determine  that  thyself. 
For  whatsoe'er  thou  eiv'st  will  be  sufficient. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

The  customary  victims  ^mojig  BaHbariatift 
Are  either  horse  or  ImiU. 


HELER  09 

Whate'er  thou  giv'st, 
Let  it  be  somcfwtMt  pnrtceiy. 

THBOCLYMENUS. 

My  rich  herds' 
With  these  are  amply  furnish'd. 

MENELAVS* 

And  the  bier 
Without  the  corse  is  borne  in  solemn  state; 

THSOGLYMEmJS. 

It  shall:  but  what  is  there  beside  which  custom 
Requires  to  grace  the  funeraL 

MEN£LAU8» 

(23)  Brazen  arms : 
For  war  was  what  he  lov'd. 

THEOGIrVMENUS. 

We  will  bestow 
Such  presents  as  are  worthy  of  the  race 
Of  mighty  Pelops. 

MENELAUS. 

And  those  budding  flowers 
Th'  exuberant  soil  produces, 

THE0CLYMENU8. 

But  say,,  howf 
And  in  what  manner  ye  these  offerings  plunge 
Into  the  oeean» 

MESmLAUS, 
We  must  have  a  bark 
And  mariners  to  ply  the  oars. 

<2S)  In  Qnintiifl  Galaber  the  funereal  pyre  of  AcIiiIW  htej^metM 
as  heaped  with  armoor :  aftd'  the  ant&ent  Pdeti^take  care  to  fhmiifa  their 
Heroes  in  the  shaiki' withimplements  of  then*  ihvoarite  occupation  when 
on  earth,  Thns  Orion  the  Hunter  u  represente4  hy  Homer  as  wield|ns 
a  brazen  mace,  and  parsuing  the  heists  of  prey;  and  Idaens,.  who  had 
been  the  charioteer  of  Priam,  wfts,  acconUn|r  to  Virgil,  aflfet'dteth-stUt 
busied  in  the  smne  esttr^&wft  «r  dlMii|r  hii  MMds  anH  bnOMibUl{f  llift 
spear. 


70  HELEN- 

THEOCLYMENUS. 
How  far 

Will  they  launch  forth  the  vessel  from  the  strand  i 

^      MENEIAUS, 

So  far  as  from  the  shore  thou  scarce  wilt  see 
The  keel  divide  the  waves. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

But  why  doth  Greece 
Observe  this  •usage  i 

MENELAUS. 

Lest  the  rising  billows 
Cast  back  to  land  th'  ablutions. 

TIfEOCLYMEmJS. 

Ye  shall  have 
A  swift  Phoenician  vessel. 

MENELAUS. 

This  were  kind. 
And  no  small  favour  shewn  to  Menelaus. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

Without  her  presence,  cannot  you  perform 
These  rites  alone  ? 

MENELAUS. 

Such  task  or  to  a  Mother, 
Or  Wife,  or  Child,  belongs. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

*Tls  then  her  duty^ 
You  say,  to  bury  her  departed  Lord? 

MENELAUS. 

Sure,  piety  instructs  us  not  to  rob 
The  dea^d  pf  their  accustom'd  dues. 

THEOCLY»|ENUS. 

Enough : 
On  me  it  is  incumbent  to  promote 
Such  virtue  in  my  Consort.     I  will  enter 
The  palace,  and  from  thence  for  the  Deceas'd 
Bripg  forth  rich  ornaments ;  with  empty  handr 


HELEN.  71 

You  from  this  region  will  not  I  send  forth. 

That  you  may  execute  what  she  desires. 

But  having  brought  me  acceptable  tidings. 

Instead  of  these  vile  weeds  shall  you  receive 

A  decent  garb  and  food,  that  to  your  country  •  '  » 

You  may  return  :   for  clearly  I  perceive 

That  you  are  wretched  now.     But  torture  hot 

Thy  bosom  with  unprofitable  cares,  ^^r 

O  hapless  woman,  for  thy  M enelaus 

Is  now  no  more,  nor  can  the  dead  revive. 

MENELAUS. 

Thee  it  behoves,  O  blooming  Dame,  to  love 
Thy  present  Husband,  and  to  lay  aside 
The  fond  remembrance  of  thy  breathless  Lord  ; 
For  such  behaviour  suits  thy  fortunes  best. 
But  if  to  Greece  with  safety  I  return. 
That  infamy  which  erst  pursued  thy  name 
I'll  cause  to  cease,  if  thou  acquit  thyself 
Of  these  great  duties  like  a  virtuous  Consort. 

HELEN. 

I  will :  nor  shall  my  Husband  e*er  have  cause 
To  blame  me <:  you  too,  who  are  here,  shall  witness 
The  truth  of  my  assertions.     But  within 
Go  lave  yojjr  weiaried  limbs,  O  wretched  Man, 
And  change  your  habit ;  for  without  delay 
To  you  will  I  become  a  benefactress. 
Hence  too  with  greater  zeal  will  you  perform 
The  rites  my  dearest  Menelaus  claims. 
If  all  due  honours  you  from  me  receive. 

lExeunt  THEOCLYMENUS,   HELEN,  and  BfENELAVS* 

CHORUS. 

ODE, 

L  J. 
O'er  mountains  erst  with  hasty  tread 
.  Did  the  celestial  Mother  (24)  stray, 

(f  4)  Bonits  and  CarmeUi  concur  in  8iq[>posuig  Ceras  to  be  here  meant, 
as  her  daughter  Proserpine  is  indisputab^  marked  out  by  the  term  «K<ftf 


n 


HELEN. 


Nor  stop  where  branching  thickets  spread. 
Where  rapid  torrents  crossed  her  way. 
Or  on  the  margin  of  the  billowy  deep ; 

Her  Daughter  whom  we  dread  to  name  ^ 

§he  wept,  while  hailing  that  majestic  Dame^ 
Cymbals  of  Bacchus  from  the  craggy  steep 

Sent  forth  their  clear  and  piercing  sound. 
Her  car  the  harness'd  dragons  drew ; 
Following  the  Nymph  torn  from  her  Virgin  crew. 
Amidst  her  Maidens  swift  of  foot  were  fouad 
Diana  skill'd  the  bow  to  wield, 
Minerva,  whp  in  glittering  state 
Brandish'd  the  spear  and  raised  her  Gorgon  shield  :    • 
But  Jove  looked  down  from  Heaven  t*  award  another  fate. 

I.  «. 
Soon  as'the  Mother's  toils  were  o'er, 
When  she  bad  finished  her  career. 
And  sought  the  ravish 'd  Maid  no  more. 
To  cavei^  where  drifted  snows  appear, 
*  By  Ida's  Nymphs  frequented,  did  she  pass. 
And  threw  herself  in  sorrow  lost> 
On  rocks  and  herbage  crusted  o'er  with  frost, 
DespoiI'd  the  wasted  champain  of  its  grass. 
Rendered  the  peasant's  tillage  v^in. 
Consuming  a  dispeopled  land 
With  meagre  famine:  Spring  at  her  command 

*fiufac  in  one  of  the  following  verses  of  this  stanza :  but  Dr.  Musgrftre 
argaes  with  great  force  irom  the  tehn  fju^  dtey,  the  cymbals,  drains^ 
and  many  other  circumstances  mentioned  in  the  coune  of  this  Ode,  that 
Qrbele  tbe  Gnmdmother,  and  liot  Ceres  the  Mother  of  Proserpine  is 
here  alluded  to.  I  should  willin^y  have  adopted  the  same  opinion,  had 
'not  the  word  £^noi  in  the  second  Strophe  appeared  to  me  clearly  to  decide 
the  point  in  l^vonr  of  Barnes :  nor  can  t  avoid  thinking  with  the  same 
editor,  and  several  of  his  predecessors,  that  the  impious  love  of  Ploto 
fol*  his  niece  Proserpine  is  alluded  to  in  Uie  opening  of  the  second  Anti- 
strophe,  which' Or.  Mo^gnve  applies  to  Helen  by  some  considerable 
and  unauthorised  alterations  of  the  te^it,  which  a  translator  is.  very  sel> 
dom  considered  as  justified  in  following :  and  Reiskius  justly  observes 
timltfieniedfffing  with 'vrint  is  80  apparently  carnipted  and  filled  with 
lAwmi^  IS  pecidiBfl^  danguMms.       . 


€1 


HELEN.  ?9 

Denied  the  flocks  ibat  sickeii'd  <yn  Hbe  filicin 
The  leafy  telidrils  of  the  V?ne ; 
Whole  cities  died,  no  victims  hied, 
No  frankincense  perfam'd  H6aven'$  vacant  shrine. 
Nor  burst  the  current  from  the  spring's  obstructed  head. 

IL  I. 
Then  cears'd  the  banquet,  wdtit  to  ohaarm 
Both  Gods  above,  and  Men  belov^ : 
The  li^other's  anger  to  disarm^ 
And  mitigate  the  stifig3  of  woe^ 
Till  in  these  words  Jove  utter'd  his  behests; 
Let  each  benignant  Grace  attend 
Sweet  raosic's  sjmpathi^iftg  aid  to  lend. 
And  drive  corrosive  ^rief  from  Ceres'  breast 
''  Indignant  for  her  ravish'd  Child  : 
*'  Now,  O  ye  Muses,  with  the  lyre 
^  Join  the  shrill  hyinns  of  your  assembled  chotr^ 
''  The  brazen  trumpet  fill  with  accents  wild, 
*^  And  beat  the  rattling  drums  amain/' 
Then  first  of  the  immortal  band, 
Venus  with  lovely  smile  approv'd  the  strain, 
And  rais'd  the  deep-ton'd  flute  in  her  enchanting  hand* 

IL  2. 
The  laws  reprov'd  such  fou)  desire. 
Yet  'gainst  religion  didst  thou  wed ; 
Thy  Uncle  caught  love's  baleful  fire. 
And  rush'd  to  thy  incestuous  bed. 
Thee  shall  the  u^ighty  Mother's  wrath  confoond, 

Becausay  thro'  thee,  before  her  shrine 
No  victims  slain  appease  the  Powers  divine. 
Great  Virtue  have  binds'  hides,  and  ivy  wound 
Upon  a  consecrated  rod ; 
And  Youths,  with  Virgins  in  a  ring, 
Whew  high  from  earth  with  matchless  force  they  spring. 
Loose  streams  their  hair,  tbev  celebrate  that  God 
The  Bacchanalian  votaries  own, 
And  waste  ret  dance  the  sleepless  night. 


74  HELEN. 

But  thou,  confiding  in  thy  charms  alone, 
Forgett'st  the  moon  that  shines  with  more  transcendent 
light. 

HELEN,  CHJORUS. 

HELEN. 

Within  the  palace,  O  my  friends,  we  prosper : 
For  Proteus'  royal  Daughter,  in  our  schemes 
Consph'ing,  when  her  Brother  questioned  her 
About  my  Lord,  no  information  gave 
Of  his  arrival :  to  my  interests  true 
She  said,  that  cold  in  death  he  views  no  longer 
The  radiant  Sun.     But  now  my  Lord  hnth  seiz'd 
A  vengeful  falchion,  in  that  mail  design'd 
To  have  been  plung'd  beneath  the  deep  array'dj. 
With  nervous  arm  he  lifts  an  orbed  shield. 
In  his  right  hand  protended  gleams  the  spear. 
As  if  with  me  he  was  prepar'd  to  pay 
To  the  Deceased  due  homage.     Furnished  thus 
With  brazen  arms,  he's  ready  for  the  battle. 
And  numberless  Barbarians  will  subdue 
Unaided,  soon  as  we  the  ship  ascend. 
Exchanging  those  unseemly  weeds  which  cloathe 
The  shipwreck'd  mariner,  in  splendid  robes 
Have  I  array'd  him,  from  transparent  springs 
The  laver  fill'd,  and  bath'd  his  wearied  limbs. 
But  I  must  now  be  silent,  for  the  man 
Who  fancies  I  am  ready  to  become 
His  Consort,  leaves  the  palace.     O  my  friends. 
In  your  attachment  too  I  place  my  trus^ 
Restrain  your  tongues,  for  we,  when  sav'd  ourselves. 
If  possible  will  save  you  from  this  thraldom. 

THEOCLYMENUS,  HELEN,  MENELAUS, 

CHORUS. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

Go  forth,  in  such  procession  as  the  stranger 
Directs  you,  O  my  servants,  and  convey 


HELEN.  75 

These  gifts  funereal  to  the  hiiny  deep. 

But  if  thou  disapprove  not  what  I  say, 

Do  thou,  O  Helen,  yield  to  my  persuasions, 

And  here  remain.     For  whether  thou  attend. 

Or  art  not  present  at  the  obsequies 

Of  thy  departed  Husband,  thou  to  him 

Wilt  shew  nn  equal  reverence.     Much  I  dread 

Lest  hurried  on  by  wild  desire  thou  plunge 

Into  the  foaming  billows,  for  the  sake 

Of  him  on  whom  thou  doat'st,  thy  former  Lord, 

Since  thou  his  doom  immoderately  bewail'st 

Tho'  he  be  lost,  and  never  can  return. 

O  my  illustrious  H.usband,  I  am  bound 
To  pay  due  honours  to  the  man  whom  first 
I  wedded,  of  our  antient  nuptial  joys 
A  memory  still  retaining,  for  so  well 
I  lov'd  my  Lord  that  I  could  even  die 
With  him.     But  what  advantage  would  result 
To  the  deceased,  should  I.  lay  down  my  life  i 
Yet  let  me  go  myself,  and  to  his  shade 
Perform  each  solemn  rite.     But  may  the  Gods, 
On  you,  and  on  the  stranger  who  assists  rae 
In  this  my  pious  task,  with  liberal  h^nd 
Confer  the  gifts  I  wish.     But  you  in  me 
Shall  such  a  Consort  to  your  Palace  bear 
As  you  d^erve,  to  recom  pence  your  kindness 
To  me  and  Menelaus.     Siich  events 
In  some  deocree  are  measur'd  bv  the  will 
Of  Fortune  ;  but  give  orders  for  a  ship 
To  be  prepar'd,  these  trap[>ings  to  convey, 
So  shall  your  purpos'd  bounty  be  complete. 

THEOCLYMENUS,  to  one  of  Ids  Attendants. 

Go  thou,  and  furnish  them  a  Tyrian  bark 
Of  fifty  oars,  vvith  skilful  sailors  mann'd. 

HELEN. 

But  mvy  not  he  who  decorates  the  tomb 


7«  HELEN. 

Govetn  the  ship  ? 

THEOCtYMENUS. 

My  saiiorsi  miist  to  biAi 
Yield  an  implicit  deference. 

Tbfs  injunction 
Repeat^  that  they  may  clearly  understand  it. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 
A  second  time,  will  I,  and  yet  a  third, 
Issue  this  self-same  mandate,  if  to  thee 
This  can  give  pleasure. 

HELEN. 

May  the  Gods  confer 
Blessings  on  you,  and  prosper  my  designs ! 

THEOCLYMENtrS. 

Waste  not  thy  bloom  with  unavailing  tears. 

HELEN. 

To  you  this  day  my  gratitude  will  prove. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

All  these  attentions  to  tbe  dead  are  nought 
^ut  unavailing  toil. 

HELEN. 

My  pious  care 
Not  to  those  only  whom  the  silent  grave 
Contains,  but  to  tbe  living  too  extends. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

In  me  thou  may'st  expect  to  find  a  Husband 
Who  yields  not  to  the  Spartan  Menelaus. 

HELEN. 

I  censure  not  your  conduct,  but  bewail 
M^  own  hai*sb  destiny. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

Bestow  thv  love 
On  me,  and  prosperous  fortunes  shall  return. 

HELEN. 

It  is  a  lesson  I  have  practised  long, 
To  love  my  friends. 


HELEN.  7r 

THEOCLYMENUS. 
^         Shall  I  my  navy  launch. 
To  join  io  these  fiioereal  riles? 

HELEN. 

Dread  Lord, 
Pay  not  unseemly  homage  to  your  vassals. 

THEOCLYMENUS, 

Well!  I  each  sacred  usage  will  allow 
PractisM  l?y  Pelops'  race,  for  my  abodes 
Are  undefii'd  with  blood :  thy  M enelaus 
In  £gypt  died  not.    But  let  some  one  haste 
And  hid  the  Nobles  bear  into  my  hpase 
The  bridal  gifts :  for  the  whole.  Earth  is  bound 
To  celebrate  in  one  consenting  hymn 
My  blest  espousals  with  the  lovely  Helen. 
But  go,  embark  upon  the  briny  main, 
O  stranger,  and  as  soon  as  ye  have  paid 
All  decent  homage  to  her  former  Lord 
Bring  back  my  Consort  hither :  that  with  me 
When  you  have  feasted  at  our  nuptial  rite 
You  to  your  native  mansion  may  return. 
Or  here  continue  in  a  happy  state. 

[Exit  THEOCLYMKKUS. 

MENELAU9. 
O  Jove,  thou  uiigbty  Father,  who  §irt  call'd 
A  God  supreme  in  wis()pm,  from  ^hy  Hei^ven 
Look  down,  and  save  us  from  qjix  woes :  delay  not 
To  aid  us :  for  we  drag  the  g^DJpg  yokts 
Of  sorrpw  an4  mi§ch9ffCfe:<  if  mth  thy  finger 
Thou  do  but  touch  us,  we  6h$tll  SQPQ  attain  * 

The  fortujie  which  we  wiah  for,  ^inpe  the  toils 
We  have  endur'd  already  are  sufficient. 
Ye  Gods,  I  now  invoke  you,  from  my  mogth 
So  JtiM.  ye  hear  full  many  joyful  accents 
Mix'd  with  these  bitter  plaints:  for  I  deserve  not 
To  be  for  ever  wretched  ;  but  to  tre^d 


78  HELEN. 

At  length  secure*     O  grant  me  this  one  favour. 
And  make  my  future  life  completely  blest. 

l^Exeunt  menelaus  and  heleiI. 

Ohorus. 

ODE. 
I.  1. 

Swift  bark  of  Sidon,  by  whose  dashing  oars 
Divided  oft,  the  frothy  billows  rise. 
Propitious  be  thy  voyage  from  these  shores : 

In  thy  train  the  Dolphins  play, 

O'er  the  deep  thou  lead'st  the  way, 
While  motionless  its  placid  surface  lies* 

'Soon  as  Serenity  the  fair. 

That  azure  Daughter  of  the  Main, 

Shall  in  this  animating  strain 
Have  spoken ;  "  To  the  gentle  breeze  of  air 

*^  Expand  each  undulating  sail, 

^^  Row  briskly  on  before  the  gale, 
*'  Ye  mariners,  in  Pereeus*  {^5)  antient  seat 

"  Till  Helen  rest  her  wearied  feet." 

I.  2. 
Those  sacred  Nymphs  (Id)  shall  welcome  thy  return 
Who  guard  the  portals  of  Minerva's  fane 
Or  spec  d  the  current  from  its  murmuring  urn  : 

Choral  dances  of  delight 

That  prolong  the  jocund  night, 
At  Hyacinihus*  banquet  shalt  thou  join, 

Fair  stripling,  whom  with  luckless  hand 

Unweeting  did  Apollo  slay 

At  games  that  crown*d  the  festive  day, 

(25)  Mycene. 

(26)  These  two  Virgins  called  Lenc^pides  received  that  mane^from 
being  Priestesses  of  Hiiaira  aud  Phcebe,  tlie  Daughters  of  Leucippuus^ 
and  Wives  of  Castor  and  Pollux,  ivho,  ^according  to  Pausanias,  had  di- 
vine liononrs  paid  to  them  as  well  as  to  their  Husbauds,  aud  a  temple 
erected  in  the  Spartan  dominions. 


Hurlrng  his  quoit  on  the  Laconian  strand ; 
To  him  Jove*s  Son  due  honours  paid: 
At  Sparta  too,  (27)  that  lovely  maid 

Shalt  thou  behold,  whom  there  thou  leftist  behind. 
Still  to  celibacy  consign'd. 

11.    1. 

O  might  we  cleave  the  air,  like  Libyan  cranes 
Who  fly  in  ranks  tli'  impending  wintry  storm; 
When  their  shrill  leader  bids  them  quit  the  plains^ 

They  the  veteran's  voice  obey, 

O'er  rich  harvests  wing  their  way. 
Or  where  parch'd  wastes  th*  unfruitful  scene  deform. 

With  lengthened  neck,  ye  feather'd  race 

Who  skim  the  clouds  in  social  band. 

Where  the  seven  Pleiades  expand 
Their  radiance,  and  Orion  heaves  his  mace. 

This  joyous  embassy  convey 

As  near  Eurotas'  banks  ye  stray ; 
That  Menelaus  to  his  subject  land 

Victorious  comes  from  Phrygians  strand. 

II.   2. 
Borne  in  your  chariot  down  th'  etherial  height, 
At  length,  ye  Sons  of  Tyndarus,  appear. 
While  vibrates  o'er  your  heads  the  starry  light: 

Habitants  of  Heaven  above. 

Now  exert  fraternal  love. 
If  ever  Helen  to  your  souls  was  dear, 

A  calm  o'er  th*  azure  ocean  spread. 

Bridle  the  tempests  of  the  main. 

Propitious  gales  from  Jove  obtain, 
Your  Sister  snatch  from  the  Barbarian's  bed: 

Commenc'd  on  Ida's  hiil,  that  strife, 

Embitter'd  with  reproach  her  life, 
Altho'  she  never  view'd  proud  Ilion's  tower 

Rear'd  by  ApoUo^s  matchless  power, 

(27)  Hermione. 


60  HELEN. 

THEOCLYMENUS,  MESSENGER,  CHORUS. 

MESSEN6EK. 

0  KiDgy  I  have  discoirer'id  in  the  palace, 
Events  most  inauspicious  :  what  fresh  woes    . 
Is  it  my  doleful  office  to  relate  ! 

THEOCLYMENUS. 
Say  what  h^th  happen'd  ? 

l^ESS^NGER. 

Seek  another  Wife, 
For  Helen  hath  departed  from  this  realm. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

Borne  tl^rp'  Jtheair  on  wings,  or  with  swift  foot 
Treading  tb^  ground  i 

MESSENQER. 

Her  o'er  the  briny  main 
From  Egypt's  shores,  batjb  MeneUus  wafted^ 
Who  came  in  person  with  9  feign'd  accoji^nt 
Of  his  own  death. 

THEOCLYSfENUS. 

O  dread f  1^1  tale!  what  ship 
From  these  domains  conveys  her  ?  thou  relat^'st 
Tidings  the  most  incredible. 

ME3SENGER* 

The  same 
You  to  that  Stranger  gave,  and  in  one  word 
To  tell  you  all,  he  carries  off  your  sailors. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

How  is  that  possible  i  I  wish  to  know : 
For  such  an  apprehension  never  eater'd 
My  soul,  as  that  one  man  could  have  subdued 
The  numeroi^s  band  of  mariners,  with  whom 
Thou  wert  sent  forth. 

MESSENGER. 

>  « 

When  from  the  royal  mansion 
Jove's  Daughter  to  the  shore  was  borne,  she  trod 
With  delicate  and  artful  ;jt^p,  pretending 


HELEN.  gl 

To  Wnil  her  Husband's  lods,  tho*  he  was  present^ 

And  yet  alive.     But  when  we  reach'd  the  haven^ 

Sidonia's  largest  vessel  we  haul'd  forth, 

Furnish 'd  with  benches,  and  with  fifty  oars  ; 

But  a  fresh  series  of  incessant  toil 

Follow'd  this  toil ;  for  while  one  fijtM  the  mast* 

Another  ranged  the  oars^  and  with  his  hand 

The  signal  gave,  the  sails  were  bound  together. 

Then  was  the  rudder,  fastened  to  the  stern 

With  thongs,  cast  forth  :  while  they  observed  us  busied. 

In  such  laborious  task,  the  Grecian  comrades 

Of  Menelaus  to  the  shore  advanced. 

Clad  in  their  shipwreck*d  vestments.     Tho*  their  fbrm 

Was  graceful,  yet  their  visages  were  squallid : 

But  Atreus'  Son,  beholding  their  approach. 

Under  the  semblance  of  a  grief  that  masked 

His  treacherous  purpose,  in  these  words  addressed  them ; 

**  How,  O  ye  wretched  sailors,  from  what  bark 

''  Of  Greece  that  hath  been  wrecked  upon  this  coast 

^'  Are  ye  come  hither  ?  will  3'e  join  with  us 

'*  In  the  funereal  rites  of  Menelaus, 

Whom  Tyndarus*  Daughter,  to  an  empty  tomb 
Consigns,  tho' absent?"    Simulated  teats 
They  shed,  and  went  aboard  the  ship,  conveying 
The  presents  to  be  cast  into  the  sea 
For  Menelaus.     But  to  us  these  things 
Appear'd  suspFcious,  and  we  made  remarks 
Among  ourselves  upon  the  numerous  band 
Of  our  intruding  passengers;  bnt.check'd 
Our  tongues  from  speaking  openly,  thro'  deference 
To  your  commands.    For  when  you  to  that  stranger 
Trusted  the  guidance  of  the  ship;  you  caus'd 
This  dire  confusion.    All  beside,  with  ease 
Had  we  now  lodgM  aboard,  but  could  not  force 
The  sturdy  bull  t'  advance ;  he  bellowing  rolPd 
His  eyes  around,  bending  his  back  and  louring 
Betwixt  his  horns^  nor  dar'd  we  to  approach 
TQU  in.  o 


82         .  HELEN. 

And  handle  bim.    But  Helen's  Husband  cried ; 
"  O^e  who  laid  Troy  waste,  will  ye  forget 
"  To  act  like  Greeks  ?  why  scruple  ye  to  seize 
*'  And  on  your  youthful  shoulders  heave  the  beast 
*^  Up  to  the  rising  prow,  a  welcome  victim 
"  To  the  deceased?"    His  falchion,  as  he  spoke. 
The  waiTior  drew.     His  summons  they  obey'd, 
Seiz'd  the  stout  bull,  and  carried  him  aboard : 
But  Menelaus  strok'd  the  horse's  neck 
And  face,  and  with  this  gentle  usage  led  bim 
Into  the  bark.     At  length  when  all  its  freight 
The  vessel  had  received  ;  with  graceful  foot 
Helen,  the  steps  ascending,  took  her  seat 
On  the  mid  deck;  and  Menelaus  near  her. 
E'en  he  who  they  pretended  was  no  more. 
But  some  on  the  right  side,  and  on  the  left 
Others  in  equal  numbers,  man  to  man 
Opposed,  their  station  took,  their  swords  concealing 
Beneath  their  garments.     We  distinctly  heard 
The  clamorous  sailors  animate  each  other 
To  undertake  the  vovage.     But  from  land 
When  a  convenient  distance  we  had  steer*d. 
The  pilot  ask'd  this  question ;   ''  Shall  we  sail, 
"  O  stranger,  any  farther  from  the  coast, 
*'  Or  is  this  right  ?  for  'tis  my  task  to  guide 
'*  The  vessel."     He  reply'd ;  *'  Enough  /or  me /* 
Then  seiz'd  with  his  right  hand  the  falchion,  leap'd 
Upon  the  prow,  and  standing  o'er  the  bull 
The  victim,   (without  mentioning  the  name 
Of  any  Chief  deceas'd;   but  as  he  drove 
The  weapon  thro'  his  neck)  thus  pray'd ;  ^'  O  Neptune 
"  Who  in  the  ocean  dwell'st,  and  ye  chaste  Daughters 
•'  Of  Nereus,  to  the  NaupUari  shore  convey 
Me  and  my  Consort,  from  this  hostile  land> 
In  safety."    But  a  crimson  tide  of  blood. 
Auspicious  to  the  stranger,  stain'd  the  waves; 
And  some  exclaim'd ;  *^  There's  treachery  in  this  voyage; 


€€ 


HELEN.  $$ 

'^  I^t  us  sail  hotnewarddy  i^u6  thy  commands, 

*'  And  turn  the  rudder."     But  the  son  of  Atreus, 

Who  bad  just  slain  the  bull,   to  bis  companions 

Caird  loudly ;  "  Why  delay,  O  ye  the  flower 

"  Of  Greece,  to  smite,  to  slaughter  those  Barbarians, 

*^  And  cast  them  from  the  ship  into  the  waves?" 

But  to  your  sailors  our  commander  spoke 

A  different  language  ;  *'  Will  not  some  of  you 

*'  Tear  up  a  plank,  or  with  a  shattet'd  bench, 

*^  Or  ponderous  oar,  upon  the  bleeding  heads 

*'  Of  those  audacious  foreigners  our  foe», 

"  Impress  the  ghastly  wound  V'    Bai  an  their  feet 

All  Qow  stood  up ;  O'ur  hand.^  with  na^tte  poles 

Were  arm'd,  and  theirs  with  swords :  a  tide  of  slaughter 

Ran  down  the  ship.    But  Heleh  from  the  poop 

The  Greeks  encouraged;  *'  Where  is* the  renown 

'*  Ye  gained  at  Troy  i  display  'gainst  these  Barbarians 

*^  The  same  undaunted  prowess/*    In  Ihei*  hastfe 

Full  many  fell,  some  rose  agaid,  thereto 

Might  you  ^ave  seen  stretdi'd  mMbnless  in  death. 

But  Menelaus,  »heath'd  in  glittering  mail. 

Wherever  hif  confederat-es  he  descried 

Hard  press'd,  rush'd  thither  with  his  tiffed  sWOfd, 

Driving  us  he^long  from  the  k)fty  deck 

Into  the  waves,  B.n4  forced  your  mariners 

To  quit  their  oi^rs.    But  the  victorious  King 

Now  seiz'd  the  rudder,  and  to  Greece  declared 

He  would  convey  the  ship :  th^y  hoisted  up 

The  stately  maet;  propitious  breezes  came; 

They  left  the  land :  but  I  from  death  escaping, 

Let  myself  gent)y  dowa  into  the  waves 

Borne  on  theeo|thige  which  sustains  the  anchor; 

My  strength  began  to  fail,  when  ^me  kind  hand 

Threw  forth  a  rope,  aflkd  brought  m<e  safe  »slK>re, 

That  i  to  you  these  tidings  might  conviey. 

There's  nought  more  beneficial  tO' mankind 

Than  wise  distrust* 

G  2 


S4  HELEN. 

CHORUS. 

I  never  could  have  thought 
That  Menelaus  who  was  here,  O  King, 
Could  have  impos'd  so  grossly  or  on  you 
Or  upon  us* 

THEOGLYMENUS. 

Wretch  that  I  am,  ensnared 
By  woman's  treacherous  arts !  the  lovely  Bridet 
I  hop'd  for,  hath  escap'd  me.     If  the  ship 
Could  be  o'ertaken  by  our  swift  pursuit. 
My  wrongs  would  urge  me  with  vindictive  band 
To  seize  the  strangers.    But  I  now  will  punish 
That  Slater  who  betray 'd  me  ;  in  my  house 
Who  when  she  saw  the  Spartan  Menelaus^ 
InformM  me  not :  she  never  shall  deceive 
Another  man  by  her  prophetic  voice* 

CHORUS. 

Ho  I  whither,  O  my  Sovereign^  would  you  go. 
And  for  what  bloody  purpose  i 

THEOGLYMENUS. 

Where  the  voice 
Of  rigid  Justice  summons  me.    Retire> 
And  istand  aloof* 

r 

CHORUS. 

0 

Yet  will  not  I  let  loose 
Your  garment }  for  you  hasten  to  commit 
A  deed  most  mischievous. 

THEOCLYMENUS4 

Would'st  thdUi  a  slfcive^ 
Govern  thy  Lord? 

CHORUS. 

Here  reason's  oti  my  side* 

THEOCLYMENUS.  ;! 

That  8b#Il  not  I  allow,  if  thou  refuse 
To  quit  thy  hold. 

CHORUS. 

I  will  not  then  release  yon. 


HELEN.  as 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

To  slay  that  worst  of  Sisters, 

OHORUSIp 

That  most  pions, 

THEOCLYMENUS. 
Her  who  betray'd  me. 

CHORUS, 

Glorious  Was  the  fraud 
That  csus'd  so  just  a  deed. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

When  she  bestow'd 
My  Consort  on  another. 

CHORUS. 

On  the  man 
Who  had  a  better  claun  •<-> 

THl^OCLYMENUS. 

Put  who  is  Lord 
Of  what  belongs  to  me  f 

'      CHORUS. 

Who  from  her  Sire 
Jleceiv*d  her. 

THEOCLYMENUS.  J 

jShe  by  fortune  was  bestpw'<| 
On  met 

CHORUS. 
But  ta'en  away  again  by  Fate. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

Thou  l^ast  no  right  to  judge  of  my  affairs, 

CHORUS. 

If  I  but  speak  to  give  you  better  coui(seIst 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

I  am  thy  subject  then,  and  not  thy  King. 

CHORUS. 

For  having  acted  piously,  your  Sister 
I  yindicate. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

Thou  seem^st  to  wish  for  death, 


gg  HELEN. 

CHORUS. 

Kill  me.    Your  Sister  you  with  my  conaent 
Shall  never  slay  ;  I  rather  would  yield  up 
My  life  on  her  bebatf.     It  is  most  glorious 
To  generous  servants  for  their  lords  to  die. 

CASTOR  AND  POLLUX,  THEOCLYMENUS,^ 

'    CHORUS. 

CASTOR  AND  POIXUX. 

Restrain  that  ire  that  hurries  thee  away 
Beyond  the  founds  of  reasop,  O  thou  King 
Of  ^gyp,is  realm  ;   and  listen  to  the  vpi^ 
Of  us  twin  sons  of  Jove^  whom  Leda  bore 
Together  with  that  Helen  who  is  fled 
From  thy  abodes.    Thou  rashly  hast  indnlgy 
Thine  anger,  for  the  loss  of  her  whpm  Fate 
Ne'er  destiu'd  to  thy  bed.    Nor  hath  thy  Sister 
Theonoe,  from  th'  immortal  Nereid  sprung, 
To  thee  done  any  injury;  she  reveres 
The  iGods,  apd  her  great  Father's  just  behests. 
For  till  the  present  hour,  was  it  ordain'd 
That  Helen  in  thy  palace  sl](ould  reside: 
But  when  Troy'^s  walls  were  from  their  basis  torn. 
And  she  had  to  the  rival  Goddesses 
Fumish'd  her  name,  no  longer  was  it  fit 
That  she  siiould  for  thy  nuptUls  b^  iietain'd, 
But  to  her  autient  home  return,  and  dwell 
With  her  first  Hu8i»an4f     in  thy  Sister's  breast 
forbear  to  plunge  the  Sword,  and  be  convinced 
That  she  in  this  affair  hath  acted  wisely. 
We  long  ere  this  our  Sister  had  preserved. 
Since  Jove  hath  made  us  Gods,  but  were  too  we^k 
At  once  to  combat  the  behests  of  Fate, 
And  the  immortal  Powers,  who  had  ordain'd 
That  these  events  should  happen.    This  to  thee, 
O  Theoclymenus,  I  speak.  .  These  woirds 
Next  to  my  lovely  Sister,.  I  address ; 


HELEN,  97 

Sail  with  your  Husband,  for  a  prosperous  breeze  ' 

Your  voyage  shall  attend.     We  your  protectors 

And  your  twin  Brothers,  on  our  coursers  borne 

Over  the  waves,  will  guide  you  to  your  country^^ 

But  after  you  have  finish'd  life's  career, 

\  on  shall  be  call'd  a  Goddess,  shall  partake 

AViih  us  the  rich  oblations,  and' receive 

The  gifts  of  men  :   for  thus  hath  Jove  decreed. 

But  where  the  son  of  Mala  placed  you  first. 

When  he  had  borne  you  from  the  Spartan  realm, 

i\nd  form'd  by  stealth  from  the  aerial  mansions 

An  image  of  your  person,  to  prevent 

Paris  from  wedding  you,  there  is  an  isle 

(28)  Near  the  Athenian  realm,  which  men  shall  call 

Helen  in  future  times,  because  that  spot 

Received  you,  when  in  secrecy  convey'd 

From  Sparta.     The  Heavens  also  have  ordain'c} 

The  wanderer  Mcnelaus  shall  reside 

Among  the  happy  islands.     For  the  Gods 

To  those  of  nobler  minds  no  hatred  bear; 

At  their  command  tho'  grievous  toil  await 

The  countless  multitude. 

THEOCLYMENUS. 

Ye  sons  of  Jove 
And  Leda,  1  the  contest  will  decline 
Which  I  at  first  so  violently  urg'd. 
Hoping  your  lovely  Sister  to  obtain, 
And  my  own  Sister's  life  resolve  to  spare: 
Let  Helen  to  her  native  shores  return. 
If.  *tis  the  will  of  Heaven  :  but  be  assur'd, 
The  same  high  blood  ye  spring  from  with  the  best 
And  chastest  Sister :  hail  then,  for  the  sake 
Of  Helen  with  a  loftv  soul  endued, 
Such  80  in  female  bosoms  seldom  dwells. 

(28)  **  The  hland  here  ipoken  qf  b  Cranae,  situated  at  a  siimll  dis- 
•*  tance  off  the  promontory  of  Sunium."  Barnes.  See  Homer  lU 
L.  3.  V.  445  i  and  Strabo,  p.  309,  ed,  Paris,  W/0. 


88 


HELEN. 


CHORUS. 
A  thousand  shapes  our  varying  Fates  assume ; 
Th^  Gods  perform  what  least  we  could  expect^ 
And  oft  the  things  for  whiph  we  fondly  hop^d 
Come  not  to  pass  ;  but  Heaven  still  finds  a  cluo 
To  guide  our  steps  thro'  life's  perplexing  maze. 
And  thus  doth  this  important  business  end. 


I    O    N. 


Meiit  »r<M  Mropef 


PERSONS  OF  THE  DRAMA. 


MERCURY. 

ION. 

CHORUS  OF  CREUSA'S  FEMALE  ATTENDANTS. 

CREUSA. 

XUTHtS. 

OLD  MAN. 

SERVANT  OF  CREUSA. 

FYTHLAN  PRIESTESS. 

MINERVA. 

SCENE  ^  THE  VESTIBULE    OF  APOLLO^  TEMPLE  AT 

DELPHL 


ION. 


MERCUKY. 

15 Y  a  (I)  jcelestial  dame,  was  he  who  bears 
On  brazen  shoulders  the  incumbent  load 
Of  yonder  starry  heaven,  where  dwell  the  Gods 
From  antient  times,  illustrious  Atlas,  Sire 
To  Maia,  and  from  her  I,  Hermes,  spring, 
The  faithful  messenger  of,  mighty  Jove. 
Now  to  this  land  of.  Delphi-^m  I  come. 
Where,  seated  on  the  centre  of  the  world. 
His  oracles,  Apollo,  to  mankind 
Discloses,  ever  chaunting^both  events 
Present  and  those  to  come.     Of  no  small  notp 
In  Greece,  there  is  a  city  which  derives 
Its  name  from  Pallas,  by  her  golden  spear 
Distinguished ;  Phoebus  in  this  realm  compress'd 
With  amorous  violence  Erectheus'  daughter, 
Creusa,  underneath  those  craggy  rocks 
North  of  Minerva's  citadel,  the  kings 
Of  Athens  call  them  Macra.    She  endur'd. 
Without  the  knowledge  of  her  Sire  (for  such 
Was  the  God's  will),  the  burden  of  her  womb  ; 
But  at  the  stated  time,  when  in  the  palace 

(1)  <<  The  name  of  the  goddess  was  Pleione,  daughter  of  Oceanus  and 
"  Tethys.  She  married  Atlas,  and  bore  him  seven  dau^ters,  called  the 
^  Pleiades ;  Sterope,  who  had  an  amonr  with  Mars ;  Alcyone  and  Ce- 
^  UxaOf  with  Neptime;  Electra,  Taygeta,  and  Maia,  the  mother  of 
*^  Mercwry,  with  Jupiter;  but  the  seventh,  called  Merope,  married 
<'  Sisyphus."  Barnes.— Ovid  says  of  the  Pl^des,  in  his  Fasti,  septem^ 
diei  sex  tamen  esse  solent ;  and  supposes  that  SUectra,'  the  toother  of 
Pardons,  concealed  herself,  because  she  could  not  endure  %o  behold 
Ihe  di^dfiil  spectacle  of  Troy  In  ruins. 


ij2  ION. 

Slie  had  brought  forth  a  son,  she  to  that  cave. 

Where  she  th'  embraces  of  the  God  had  known, 

Convey'd  and  left  the  child,  to  death  exposed. 

Lodged  in  the  hollow  of  an  orbed  chest, 

Qbservi^nt  of  the  customs  handed  down 

By  her  progenitors,  and  Ericthonius, 

That  earth-born  monarch  of  her  native  land. 

Whom  Pallas,  daughter  of  imperial  Jove, 

Placing  two  watchful  dragons  for  his  guard. 

To  the  three  Ci)  damsels  from  Agraulos  sprung 

Entrusted.     Hence,  among  Erectheus'  race, 

E'en  from  those  times,  an  usage  hath  prevaiPd 

Of  nurturing,  'midst  serpents  wrought  in  gold. 

Their  tender  progeny,     Creusa  left, 

Wrapt  round  her  infant,  whom  she  thus  to  death 

Abandon'd,  all  the  ornaments  she  had. 

Then  this  request,  on  my  fraternal  love 

Depending,  Phcebus  urg'd :   '*  My  Brother,  go 

"  To  those  blest  children  of  their  native  soil, 

'^  The  fam'd  Athenians  (for  full  well  thou  know^sk 

''  Minerva's  city),  from  the  hollow  rock 

"  Taking  this  new-born  infant,  and  the  chest 

*'  In  which  he  lies  with  fillets  swath'd  around, 

'*  Convey  to  my  oracular  abode, 

'*  And  place  him  in  the  entrance  of  my  fane : 

*'  What  still  is  left  undone,  my  care  shall  add  : 

"  For  know  he  is  my  son.    1,  to  confer 

A  kindness  on  my  brother  Phoebus,   bore 

The  wicker  chest  away ;   and  having  op'd 

Its  cover  t^at  the  infant  might  be  seen^ 

(2)  ^*  ApoUodorns  relatei,  that  Agritu)b«  was  the  wife  of  CJecrops, 
**  and  had  three  danghten,  Aglaoros,  Hene,  and  PandroBos,  vrko  are 
^  sufficiently  Jknown  from  the  account  given  of  them  by  Ovid,  Met. 
**  lib.  ii,  y.  72S— 832.  The  At^ieman  women  swore  by  Agraulos,  Aris- 
**  tophanes,  Tbesmoph.  v.  540.  Many,  even  of  the  antient  writen, 
**  confoMud  her  with  her  daughter  Agiaivos,  particuhirly  Hesychias, 
"  under  the  article  AyXon^.'*    Dr.  Muse: rave. 


ION.  Qi 

/ 

Just  at  the  threshold  of  this  temple  lodg'tl. 

But  when  the  fiery  coursers  of  the  Sun 

Rush'd  from  heaven's  eastern  gate  in  swift  career^ 

Entering  the  mansion  whence  the  God  deals  forth 

His  oracles,  a  priestess  on  the  child 

Fix'd  her  indignant  eyes,  and  wonder'd  much 

What  shameless  nymph  of  Delphi  could  presume 

By  stealth  to  introduce  her  spurious  brood 

into  Apollo's  house.     She  was  inclin'd 

At  first  to  cast  him  from  the  sacred  threshold ; 

But,  by  compassion  mov'd,  the  cruel  deed 

Forbore,  and,   with  paternal  love,  the  God 

Aided  the  child>  nor  iVom  his  hallow'd  mansion 

Allow'd  him  to  be  banish'd  :   him  she  took 

And  nurtur'd,  tho'  she  knew  not  from  what  mother 

He  sprung,  or  that  Apollo  was  his  Sire. 

To  both  his  parents  too  the  boy  himself 

Remain'd  a  stranger :   while  he  yet  was  young. 

Around  the  blazing  altars,  whence  he  fed. 

I^layfal  he  roam*d  :   but  after  he  attaia'd 

Maturer  years,   the  Delphic  citizens, 

(3)  As  gaardian  of  the  treasures  of  the  God, 

Employ'd,  and  found  him  faithful  to  his  trust: 

Still  in  this  fane  he  leads  an  holy  life. 

Meanwhile  Creusa,   who  the  infant  bore, 

Weddied  to  Xuthus :  fortune  this  event 

Thus  brought  to  pass ;   a  storm  of  war  burst  forth 

Twixt  the  Athenian  race  and  them  who  dwell 

(3)  Milton's  frequent  imitations  of  Euripides  have  been  pointed  out  by 
Tsirions  commentators ;  in  one  of  his  Latin  poems  addressed  to  Mr.  John 
Rouse,  keeper  of  the  Bodleian  Library  at  Oxford,  he  evidently  allude* 
to  the  above  passage; 

Qua^storque  gaza>.  nobiliorii 
Quan^  cui  praefuit  Ion 
Clarus  Erechtheides, 
Opulenta  Dei  per  templa  parentis^ 
J'ulvosque  tripodas,  donaque  Delphica 
loo  Act«i  genitus  Cr«usa.  ▼.  5d-*60. 


94  ION. 

In  Chalcis,  on  Euboea*s  stormy  coast. 
In  conceit  with  the  former  having  toird. 
And  joined  in  the  destruction  of  their  foes, 
A  rojal  bi-ifie,  Creusa,  he  obtain'd, 
Tho'  not  in  Athens  but  Achaia  born^ 
The  son  of  ^olus,  who  sprung  from  Jove: 
He  arid  his  Consort  have  been  childless  long, 
And  therefore  to  these  oracles  of  Phoebus 
Are  come  in  quest  of  issue.     This  event 
The  God  hath  caus'd  to  happen,  nor  forgets 
His  son,   as  some  suppose ;   for  he,  on  Xuthus, 
Win,  at  his  entering  this  prophetic  dome, 
Freely  bestow,   and  call  the  stripling  his ; 
That,  when  he  comes  to  the  maternal  house, 
Creusa  may  acknowledge  bim  she  bore. 
While  her  amour  with  Phoebus  rests  conceal'd. 
And  this  her  son  obtains  th'  inheritance 
Of  his  maternal  ancestors :  thro*  Greece 
Thf  immortal  father  hath  decreed  his  son 
Shall  be  call'd  Ion,  the  illustrious  founder 
(4)  Of  Asiatic  realms.     But  I  must  go 
Among  the  laorel's  shadowy  groves,  and  learti 
Frojn  this  young  prophet,  what  the  Fates  ordain  ; 
For  I  behold  Apollo's  son  come  forth,        ' 
To  hang  the  branches  of  the  verdant  bay 
Before  the  portals  of  the  fane.     Now  first 
Of  all  the  Gods  I  hail  him  by  his  name, 
I'he  name  of  Ion  which  be  soon  »hall  bear. 

{Exit  MBBCUKT* 
ION. 

Now  the  resplendent  chariot  of  the  Sun 
Shines  o'er  the  earth :   from  its  etherial  fires, 

(4)  '^  Ion,  the  son  of  Apollo,  or  of  Xuthus  and  Crensa,  led  colonies 
^  of  Athenians  into  Asia,  which  colonies  ^ere  from  his  name  called 
''  Ionia.  But  the  thirteen  cities  of  Ionia  were  these,  Ephesns,  Miletus, 
<<  Myusy  Friend,  Colophon,  Teus^  Lesbos,  Erythrae,  Phocsea,  Gazo* 
<^.men6,  Chius,  Samos,  Smyrna.  See  the  word  luffftf  in  Swdas,  aikd 
***  Stephanos  Byzantiavs*"       Bakkks. 


ION.  95 

Beneath  the  veil  of  sacred  night,   the  stars 

Conceal  themselves.     Parnassus'  cloven  ridge, 

Too  steep  for  human  footsteps  to  ascend, 

Receives  the  lustre  of  its  orient  beams. 

And  thro'  the  world  reflects  them;  while  the  smoke 

Of  fragrant  myrrh  ascends  Apollo's  roof; 

The  Delphic  Priestess  t^n  the  holy  tripod 

Now  takes  her  seal,  and  to  the  listening  sons 

Of  Greece,  those  truths  in  mystic  notes  unfolds, 

With  which  the  Gods  inspire  her  labouring  breast. 

But,  O  ye  Delphic  ministers  of  Phoebus, 

Now  to  Castalia's  silver  fount  repair. 

And  when  ye  have  perform'd  the  due  ablutions, 

Enter  the  temple,  let  no  word  escape 

Your  lips,  of  evil  omen^  mildly  greet 

Each  votary^  and  expound  the  oracles 

Jn  your  own  native  language.     But  the  toils 

Which  I  from  childhood  to  the  present  hour 

Have  exercis'd,  with  laureat  sprays  and  wreaths 

Worn  at  our  high  solemnities,  to  cleanse 

The  vestibule  of  Phoebus,   I  repeat. 

Sprinkling  the  pavement  with  these  lustral  drops, 

And  with  my  shafts  will  I  repel  the-fiocks 

Of  birds  who  taint  the  offerings  of  the  God. 

For  like  a  friendless  orphan,  who  ne*er  knew 

A  mother's  or  a  father's  fostering  care. 

In  Phoebus  shrine  which  mirtur'd  me,  I  serve. 

ODE. 

I. 

In  recent  verdure  ever  gay. 
Hail,  O  ye  scions  of  the  bay. 

Which  sweep  Apollo's  fane ; 
Cropt  from  the  Gods  adjacent  bowers,^ 
Where  rills  bedew  the  vernal  flowers. 
Aim!  with  perpetual  streams  refresh  the  plain , 


06  ION. 

The  sacred  myrtle  bere  is  found. 
Whose  branches  o'er  the  consecrated  groUnM 

I  wave,  as  day  by  day  ascends 
The  Sun  with  rapid  wing. 

Waking  to  toil  which  never  ends. 
And  zealous  in  the  service  of  my  King. 
O  Paean,  Paean,  from  Latona  sprung, 

Still  may'st  thou  flourish  blest  and  y6(ing! 

IL 

My  labours  with  renown  shall  meet ; 

O  Phcebus,  the  prophetic  seat 
Revering,  at  thy  fane 

A  joyFul  minister  I  stand. 

Serving  with  an  officious  hand 
"So  mortal,  but  the  blest  immortal  train. 

Nor  by  these  glorious  toils  opprest 
Am  I  ignobly  covetous  of  rest ; 

For  dread  Apollo  is  my  Sire ) 
To  him  to  him  I  owe 

My  beings  nurtur'd  in  his  choir. 
And  in  the  fostering  God  a  Father  know. 
O  Paean,  Paean,  from  Latona  sprung. 

Still  may'st  thou  flourish  blest  and  young ! 

But  from  this  painful  task  will  I  desist, 

And  with  the  laurel  cease  to  sweep  the  ground; 

Kext,  from  a  golden  vase,  is  it  my  office 

To  pour  the  waters  of  Castalia's  fount 

sprinkling  its  lustral  drops  :  for  I  am  free 

From  lust  and  its  pollutions.     May  I  serve 

Apollo  ever  thus,  or  cease  to  serve  him 

When  I  some  happier  fortune  shall  attain  f 

But,  ha!  the  birds  are  here,  and  leave  their  nestsr 

Upon  Parnassus:  wing  not  to  this  dome 

Your  flight,  and  on  the  gild^ed  battlements 

Forbear  to  perch.     My  arrows  shall  transpierce  thee. 

Herald  of  Jove,  O  thou,  whose  hooked  beak 


ION.  97 

Subdues  the  might  of  all  the  feathered  tribes. 

But  k>  another  comes !  the  Swan  his  course 

Steers  to  the  altar.     Wilt  thou  not  retire 

Hence  with  those  purple  feet?    Apollo's  lyre, 

In  concert  warbling  with  thy  dulcet  strains 

Shall  not  redeem  thee  from  my  bow  :   direct 

Thy  passage  to  the  Delian  lake,  obey. 

Or  streaming  blood  shall  interrupt  thy  song. 

But  what  fresh  bird  approaches?  would  she  build 

Under  these  pinnacles  a  nest  to  hold 

Her  callow  brood  ?  Soon  shall  the  whizzing  shaft 

Repel  thee.    Wilt  thou  not  comply?    Where  Alpbeus 

Winds  thro'  the  channerd  rocks  bis  passage,  go^ 

And  rear  thy  twittering  progeny,  or  dwell 

Amid  the  Isthmian  groves'*,  that  Phcebus'  gifts 

And  temples  no  defilement  may  receive. 

For  I  am  loth  to  take  away  your  lives. 

Ye  winged  messengers,  who  to  mankind 

Announce  the  will  of  the  celestial  Powers. 

But  I  on  Phoebus  must  attend,  performing 

The  task  assigned  me  with  unwearied  zeal, 

And  minister  to  those  who  give  me  food. 

CHORUS,  ION. 

CHORUS. 

'Tis  not  in  Athens  only  that  the  fane 
Where  duteous  homage  to  the  Gods  is  paid. 
Or  altar  for  Agyian  Phoebus  rear'd 
With  many  a  stately  column  is  adprn*d  ; 
But  in  these  mansions  of  Latona's  son 
From  those  (5)  twin  Deities  portray'd  there  beams 
An  equal  splendor  on  the  dazzled  sight. 

(5)  Brodaeus  interprets  iihjinnt  vgMtesuw,  the  portraits  of  the  twin 
Deities,  Apollo  and  Diana.  Barnes  and  CainieUi  think  the  anthor  is 
here  speaking  of  the  sight  of  our  two  eyes ;  Dr.  Musgcave  interprets  it 
as  spoken  of  tiie  two  fronts  of  the  temple.  The  first  of  these  construe* 
tions  appeared  to  me  to  claim  the  preference.  For  the  distribotion  of  the 
succeed^  dialogue,  I  am  chiefly  indthted  to  Dr.  Musgraye. 

VOL.  JII.  ^ 


9S  ION. 

SEMICHORUS  I. 

See  diere  Jove's  (6)  son^  who  with  his  golden  falchtoo 
Slays  the  Lernsan  Hydra ;  O  my  frieDd^ 
Observe  him  well. 

SEMICHORUS  IL 

I  do. 

SEMIOSORUS  L 

Another  stands 
Beside  him  brandishing  a  kindled  torch. 

SEMICHORUS  n. 

He  whose  exploits  I  on  my  wooF  describ'd  f      • 

SEMICHORUS  L 

The  noble  lolaus^  who  sustainM 
Alcides*  shield,  and  in  those  glorious  toils 
Was  the  sole  partner  with  the  son  of  Jove. 
(7)  Him  also  mark  who  on  a  winged  steed 
Is  seated,  how  with  forcefuj  arm  he  smites 
The  triple-form'd  Chimsera  breathing  fire. 

SEMICHORUS  IL 

With  thee  these  eyes  retrace  each  varied  scene. 

SEMICHORUS  I. 
Look  at  the  Giants'  conflict  with  the  Gods 
JDepictur'd  on  the  wall.         ^ 

SEMICHORUS  II. 

There,  there,  my  friends. 

SpMICHORUS  I. 

'    Behold'st  thou  her  who  'gainst  Enceladus 
The  dreadful  ^gis  brandishes? 

SEIV^ICHORUS  n. 

I  see 
Pallas  my  Goddess. 

SEMICHORUS  I. 

And  the  forked  flames, 

(6)  Hercules,  who,  though  not  bora  tin  near  two  hundred  years  after 
Ion,  is  again  mentioned  in  this  Tragedy  as  having  consecrated  to  ApoUo 
the  tapestry  he  found  among  the  spoils  of  the  Amazons. 

(7)  Bellerophon  riding  on  Pegasus. 


^ 


ION.  99 

With  which  tb'  impetuous  ihanderbolt  descends 
Hucrd  from  the^kies  by  Jove's  unerring  arm  i 

*SEMICHORUS  II. 

I  see,   I  see :  its  livid  6ashes  smite 
Mimas  the  foe,  and  with  his  pliant  thyrsus 
Another  earth-born  monster  Bacchus  slays. 

CHORUS. 
On  thee  I  call,  O  thou  who  in  this  fane 
Art  stationed :  is  it  lawful  to  advance 
Into  the  inmost  sanctuary's  recess 
With  our  feet  bare  ? 

This  cannot  be  allow 'd. 
Ye  foreign  Dames. 

C«ORUS. 

.  Wilt  thou  not  answer  me  ? 

ION.  j 

What  information  wish  ye  to  receive? 

CHORUS. 

Say,  is  it  true  th»l  Phoebus^  temple  stands 
On  the  workf •  center  ? 

ION. 
Tis  with  garlands  declc'd,  ' 
And  Gorgons  ore  piacM  round  ft. 

CHORUS. 

So  fame  tells* 

lOSr.  ; 

If  ye  before  these  porlab  have  with  fire 
Consum'd  the  sahed  cates,  and  wish  to  know 
Aught  from  Apollo,  to  this  altar  come ; 
But  enter  not  the  temple's  dread  recess 
Till  sheep  are  sacrific'd. 

CHORUS. 

I  comprehend  thee ; 
Nor  will  we  breajc  the  God's  establisb'd  laws. 
But  with  the  pictures  which  are  here  without 
.  Amuse  our  eyes. 

h2 


100 


ION. 


ION. 

Ye  may  survey  them  all 

At  leisure. 

CHORUS. 

Hither  have  our  rulers  sent  us^ 
The  sanctuary  of  Phoebus  to  behold. 

ION. 

Inform  me  to  what  household  ye  belong* 

CHORUS, 

Minerva's  city  is  the  plaice  where  dwell 
Our  sovereigns— But  lo  she  herseif  appears 
To  whom  the  questions  thou  hast  ask'd  relate. 

CREUSA,  ION,  CHORUS. 

ION. 

Thy  countenance,  whoe'er  thou  be,  O  woman. 
Proves  thou  art  noble,  and  of  gentle  manners : 
For  by  their  looks  we  fail  not  to  discern 
Those  of  exalted  Birth.     But  with  amazement, 
Closing  those  eyes,  thou  strik'st  me,  and  with  tears 
Largely  bedewing  those  ingenuous  cheeks^ 
Since  thou  hast  seen  Apollo's  holy  fane. 
Whence  can  such  wayward  grief  arise  ?    The  sight 
Of  this  auspicious  sanctuary,  which  gives 
Delight  to  others,  causes  thee  to  weep. 

CREUSA.  . 

Stranger,  you  well  may  wonder  at  my  tears. 
For  since  I  view'd  these  mansions  of  the  God, 
I  have  been  thinking  of  a  past  event ; 
And  tho'  myself  indeed  am  here,  my  soul 
Remains  at  home.    O  ye  unhappy  Dames ! 
O  most  audacious  outrages  committed 
By  the  immortal  Gods!  to  whom  for  justice 
Can  we  appeal,  if  thro'  the  wrongs  of  those 
Who  rule  the  world  with  u  despotic  pawec, 
We  perisi)  I 


4^% 


ION.  101 

ION. 

What  affliction  unreveal'd 
Makes  thee  despond  ? . 

CREUSA. 

None.    I  have  dropt  the  subject. 
What  follows^  I  sappress,  nor  must  you  seek 
To  learn  aught  farther. 

ION. 
But  say,  who  thou  art, 
Whence  cam'st  thou,  in  what  region  wert  thou  bom. 
And  by  what  name  must  we  distinguish  thee  i 

CREUSA. 

Creusa  is  my  name,  my  Sire  Erectheus, 
In  Athens  first  I  drew  my  vital  breath. 

ION. 

O  thou  in  that  fam'd  city  who  resid'st. 
And  by  illustrious  parents  hast  been  nurtur*d, 
How  much  do  I  revere  thee  ! 

CREUSA. 

I  thus  far 
But  in  nought  else  am  blest. 

ION. 

1  by  the  Gods 
Conjure  thee,  answer^  if  the  world  speak  truth. 

CREUSA. 

What  question's  this  you  would  propose,  O  stranger  ? 
I  wish  to  learn, 

ION. 

SpruAg  the  Progenitor 
Of  thy  great  Father  from  the  teeming  eartK/ 

CREUSA. 

Thence  Erictbooios  --^  But  my  noble  race 
Avails  me  not. 

ION. 

And  did  Minerva  rear 

The  warrior  from  the  ground  i 


103 


ION. 


Witb  \irgin  arms. 
For  she  was  not  his  Mother. 

ION. 

Of  the  ehild 
Disposing  as  in  pictures  'tis  deacrib'd  i 

CREUSA, 

To  Cecrops*  daughters  him  she  gave  for  nurture^ 
With  strict  injunctions  never  to  behold  him. 

ION. 

I  hear  those  virgins  op'd  the  wicker  chasl 
In  which  the  Goddess  lodg'd  him. 

CREUSA* 

Hence  their  doooi 
Was  death,  and  with  their  gore  they  stain'd  the  rock, 

ION. 
Let  that  too  pass*    But  is  this  rumo^MT  Ujmy 
Or  groundless  ? 

'  CRBUI^A. 
What's  your  question  ?  for  with  leisure 
I  am  not  overburdened. 

ION* 

IXd  Erectheusy 
(8)  Thy  royaj  father,  saoiifio^  thy  sistef^f 

CJWJiUSA. 

He  few'd  ncM:.  i»  his  couotfy^^  c»uae  to  d«y 
Those  virgins. 


(8)  ApoUodorus  gives,  the  Momug  «x<%mt  of  Erectheus'  aaciifi- 
dng  his  daughten ;  ^*  A  war  breakiag  out  between  the  Atbeniaias  a^ 
t*  EUensiniaiis,  Eumolpus,  the  Son  of  Neptune  and  Chion^,  came  to  the 
^  assistance  of  the  latter  with  a  large  body  of  Thracian  troops.  £ree« 
**  theus  in  this  emergency  consulted  the  oraele,  and!  reeeiv«d  for  an- 
**  swer,  tluit  the  Athenians  should  prove  victorious^  i£  ke  oifeyed.  «fi 
*<  one  of  his  daughters  for  a  victim;  npon  which  he  sacrificed  the  young- 
'<  est,  and  the  others  slew  themselves,  having,  as  ^me  say,  sworn  tQ 
^'  perish  by  each  other's  hands.  After  the  sacrifice  a  battle  was  fought. 
''  in  which  l^ectheus  slew  Eumolpas.'*    I»  iiS|  e.  ]f4>  s»  4. 


ION.  105 

ION. 

By  what  means  didst  thou  alone 
Of  all  thy  sisters  'scape  ? 

CREtJSA. 

A  new'^bora  infant^ 
I  still  was  in  my  mother's  fittas. 

iON. 

Did  Edrth 
Indeed  expand  her  jaws^  and  s\vaIlow  up 
Thy  Father  ? 

CREUSA. 

Neptune  with  his  trident  smote 
And  slew  him. 

ION. 
Is  the  spot  on  which  he  died 
Caird  Macra  ? 

CREUSA. 

For  what  reason  do  you  ask 
This  question  ?    To  my  memoiry  what  a  scene 
Have  you  recall'd  ! 

ION. 
Doth  not  the  Pythian  God 
Revere^  and  with  his  radiant  beams  adorn^ 
That  blest  abode  i  '        . 

CREUSA. 

Revere!  but  what  have  I 
To  do  with  that?  Ah,  would  to  heaven  I  ne'er 
Had  seen  the  place ! 

ION. 

What  then !  dost  thou  abhor 
What  Phoebus  holds  most  dear  ? 

CREUSA. 

Not  thus,  O  stranger; 
Tho'  1  know  somewhat  base  that  has  been  done 
Under  those  caverns. 

ION. 

What  Athenian  Lord/ 


104  ION. 

Receiv'd  thy  plighted  hand  ? 

CREUSA. 

No  citizen  . 
Of  Athens;  hut  a  sojouroer,  who  came 
Out  of  another  country. 

ION. 

Who  ?  he  sure 

Was  of  some  noble  lineage  ? 

CREUSA. 

Xuthus,  son 

Of  £olus^  who  sprung  from  Jove. 

ION, 

How  gained 
This  foreigner  the  hand  of  thee,  a  native  ? 

CHEUSA, 

Euboea  is  a  region  on  the  confines 
Of  Athens. 

ION. 

With  the  briny  deep  between. 

As  fame  relates. 

CREUSA. 

Those  bulwarks  he  laid  waste. 
With  Cecrops*  race  a  comrade  in  the  war. 

ION. 

He  thither  came  perhaps  as  an  ally, 
And  afterwards  obtained  thee  for  his  bride. 

CREUSA. 
In  me  the  dower  of  battle,  and  tl^e  pri^.e 
Of  his  victorious  spear,  did  he  receive. 

?0N. 
Alonej,  or  with  thy  JIusband;,  art  thou  come. 
These  oracles  to  visit  ? 

CREUSA. 

With  my  Lord : 
But  to  (9)  Trophonius'  cavern  he  is  gone. 

« (9)  Of  this  Trophonius  and  his  cave,  which  is  become  proverbial,  Nice- 
**  phorus  Gregoreas,  in  his  Scholia  upon  Syneaias  on  Dreams,,  gives  t^e  foi 


ION.  J05 

JON. 

As  a  spectator  only,  or  t'  explore 
The  mystic  will  of  Fate  ? 

CREUSA. 

He  hopes  to  gaia 
From  him  and  from  Apollo  one  response. 

ION, 

Seek  ye  the  general  fruit  earth's  bosom  yields^ 
Or  children  ? 

CREUSA. 
We  are  childless^  tho'  full  long 
Have  we  been  wedded. 

ION. 
Hast  thou  never  known 
The  preguapt  mother's  throes?  Art  thou  then  barren? 

*<  lowing  account :  ^  There  was  a  certain  man  named  Trophoniiis, «  Seer 
^  by  profession,  who,  through  Y9>ngiory,  enteiin^  a  cave,  and  there  hiding 
^  himself,  ended  his  Ufe.  But  the  cave,  'tis  said,  utters  oracles  to  those 
**  who  enter  and  ask  questions  on  any  subject.  "The  situation  is  thus  de- 
^  scribed  by  Strab'o,  in  his  Boeotica,  p.  414.  ^  At  Lebadia  is  the  oracle  of 
**  JupiterTrophonius,  with  a  passage  into  the  bowels  of  the  earth,  wluch 
**  it  \b  necossaiy  for  ^ose  who  consult  tfa^  oracle  to  despend :  it  is  situated 
**  between  Helicon  and  Chaeronea,  near  Coronea.*  Tliis  also  is  to  be  re- 
**  marked  in  regard  to  the  cave  of  Trophonius,  ^  that  there  was  one 
^  fountain  there  called  Lethe,  whose  waters  were  to  be  drank  by  liiose 
**  who  were  descending,  that  they  nuglit  forget  all  they  had  pievioiisfy 
^'-seen;  and  another  called  Mnemosiin^,  a  draught  of  which  impressed 
**  on  their  memory  all  they  were  about  to  behold  in  those  subterraneous 
'^  regions."  Barnes  •^Pausanias,  from  whose  Boeotica,  p.  790,  ed. 
Ktthnii,  the  latter  part  of  the  above  note  is  exti-acted,  'says,  that 
Trophonius  was  the  sen  of  Erginus^  king  of  the  MuiyoB,  or,  according 
to  some,  of  Apollo.  He  and  his  brother  Agamedes  were  celebrated 
architects,  and  constnicted  an  edifice,  in  i^hich  Hyrcius  lodged  his 
treasures ;  having  placed  a  stone  in  the  wall,  so  that  they  could  remove  it 
when  they  pleased,  they  committed  frequent  robberies  there  undiscovered; 
but  upon  Agamedes  being  caught  in  a  -  snare,  Trophonius  cut  off  his 
brother*s  head,  lest  he  shoidd  discover  his  accomphce :  the  murderer 
was  soon  after  swallowed  up  in  a  chasm  of  the  eai'th.  The  account 
Pausanias  gives  of  Trophonius's  cave,  and  the  ceremonies  observed  by 
those  who  went  to  consult  the  orafde  there,  i»  very  long  and  minute. 


106  ION. 

CJREUSA. 

Phcebus  well  knows  I  am  withont  a  son. 

ION. 
O  wretched  woman,  who  in  all  beside 
Art  prosperous :  Fortune  here,  alas,  deserts  thee* 

CREUSA. 
But  who  are  you  ?     How  happy  do  I  deem 
Your  mother ! 

ION. 

An  attendant  on  the  God 
They  call  n^e^  and,  O  woman,  such  I  am. 

CREUSA. 

Sent  from  your  city  as  a  votive  gift. 
Or  by  some  master  sold  i 

ION. 

I  know  this  only. 
That  I  am  call'd  A|k>Uo'b. 

CUBUSA. 

In  return, 
I  too,  O  stranger,  pitj'  your  hard  fate. 

ION. 

Because  I  know  not  either  of  my  parents. 

CREUSA. 

Beneath  this  fane,  or  some  more  lowly  dome 
Reside  you? 

ION. 

This  whole  temple  of  the  God 
Is  my  abode,  here  sleep  I. 

CREUSA. 

While  an  infant. 
Or  since  your  were  a  stripling,  came  you  hither? 

ION. 

The  persons  who  appear  to  know  the  truths 
Assert  I  was  a  child. 

CREUSA. 

What  Delphic  nurse 
Perform'd  a  mother's  office  ? 


ION.  m 

ION. 

i  ne'er  clung 
To  any  breast  **Sbo  roar'd  loe. 

CREUSA. 

Hapless  youth 
Who  veuM  yoa  i  bow  bttve  I  diacoveff^d  woc» 
Which  equal  those  I  su0^ ! 

ION. 

Phoebus'  Priestess, 
Whom  as  my  real  mother  I  esteem, 

CREI78A,  .  r:  ^ 

But  how  were  you  supported  till  yoa  Teacb*il 
Malurer  years  i 

I  at  the  altar  fed. 
And  on  the  bounty  of  each  casual  guest. 

CREV9A. 

Whoe'er  die  wai>  your  mother  sure  was  wreteherf. 

ION. 

Perbepsi  to  me  some  woman  owes  her  shame. 

CREUSA. 

But  say,  what  wealth  yoni  have  ?  for  you  are  drest 
In  a  becoming  garbv 

ION. 

I  aai  adtom'd 
With  these  rich  vestawnts  by  tbe  Ood  I  serve, 

CREUSA. 

Did  you  make  no  researc^iet  to  discover 
Tour  parents  ? 

ION. 

I  have  not  the  slightiest  cine 
To  guide  my  steps. 

CREVSA. 

AUsy   another*  dam« 
Like  sufferings  with  your  mother  hath  endur'd. 

ION. 

Who  ?  tell  me.    Thy  assistance  wotild'st  thou  give. 


108  ION, 

I  should  rejoice  indeed. 

CREUSA. 

She  for  whose  sake 
I  hither  came  before  my  Lord  arrive. 

ION. 

What  are  thy  wishes  in  which  I  can  serve  thee  i 

CREUSA. 

I  would  obtain  an  oracle  from  Phoebus 
In  private. 

ION, 
Name  it:  for  of  all  beside 
Will  I  take  charge. 

CREUSA. 

Now  to  my  words  attend—^ 
Yet  shame  restrains  me.      ^ 

ION. 

I 

Then  wilt  thou  do  nothing; 
For  Shame's  a  Goddess  not  for  action  form'd. 

CREUSA. 

One  of  my  friends  informs  me^  that  by  Phoebus 
She  was  embrac'd. 

ION. 
A  woman  by  Apollo  ! 
Use  not  such  language,  O  thou  foreign  Dame. 

CREUSA. 

And  that  without  the  knowledge  of  her  Sire^ 
She  bore  the  God  a  son. 

ION. 

This  cannot  be; 
Her  modesty  forbids  her  to  confess 
What  mortal  wrong'd  her. 

CREUSA. 

No ;  she  sufFer'd  all 
That  she  complains  of,  iho'  her  tale  be  wretched. 

ION. 

In  what  respect,  if  by  the  bonds  of  love 
She  to  the  God  was  join*^  ? 


Io^f.  109 

CREUSA. 

The  son  she  bore 
She  also  did  cast  forth. 

ION. 

Where  is  the  boy 
Who  was  cast  forth,  doth  he  behold  the  light? 

CREUSA. 

None  knows;  and  for  this  cause  would  I  consult 
The  oracle. 

ION. 

But  if  he  be  no  more,  ' 
How  died  he  ? 

Ctt£USA« 

Much  she  fears  the  beasts  devoured 
Her  wretched  child, 

laN. 
What  proof  hath  she  of  this? 

CREUSA. 

She  came  where  she  exposM,  and  found  him  not. 

ION. 
Did  any  drops  of  blood  distain  the  path  ?  . 

CREtSA. 

None,  as  she  says ;  although  full  long  she  searched 
Around  the  field. 

ION. 
But  since  that  hapless  boy   . 
Perish'd,  how  long  is  it  ? 

CREUSA. 

Were  he  yet  living, 
His  age  would  be  the  same  with  yours. 

ION. 

The  God 
Hath  wrong'd  her,  yet  the  mother  must  be  wretched. 

CREUSA. 

Since  that  hath  she  produced  no  other  child. 

ION. 

But  what  if  Phoebus  bore  awny  by  stealth 


110  ION. 

His  son,  and  nurtur'd  hJm  ?  • 

CREtJSA.  1 

He  acts  unjustly 
Alone  enjoying  what  to  both  belongs.  g^^ 

ION, 

Ah  me !   such  fortune  bears  a  close  resenablanee 
To  my  calamity. 

CREUSA. 

I  make  no  doubt^ 
O  stranger^  but  your  miserable  mother 
Wishes  for  you* 

ION. 
Revive  not  piteous  thoughts 
By  me  forgotten. 

CREUSA. 

I  my  questions  cease ; 
Now  finish  your  reply. 

ION. 

Art  thou  aware 
In  what  respect  thou  hast  unwisely  spoken? 

CREU&A. 

Can  aught  but  grief  attend  that  wretched  dame  ? 

ION. 

How  is  it  probable  the  God  should  publish 
By  an  oracular  i'es|>onse,  the  fact 
He  wishes  to  conceal  ? 

CRETOA. 

If  here  he  sit 
Upon  his  public  tripod  to  which  Greece 
Hath  free  access.  \ 

ION* 

He  blushes  at  the  deed; 
Of  him  make  no  enquiries. 

CREUSA.  >:C      . 

The  poor  sufferer  . 
Bewails  ber  fortuned. 


ION,  111 

ION.    ' 

No  presumptacuA  seer 
To  thee  this  mystery  will  disclose:,  for  Phflebus 
In  his  own  temple  with  such  b&'^eness.cbarg'd^ 
Justly  would  punish  him  who  should  expound 
To  thee  the  oracle.    Depart,  O  woman ; 
For  of  th*  immortal  Powej-s  we  must  not  speak 
With  disrespect.    This  were  the  utmost  pitch 
Of  frenzy  should  we  labour  to  extort 
From  the  unwilling  Gods  those  hidden  truths 
They  mean  not  to  disclose, shy  slaughtered  sheep 
Before  their  altars,  or  the  flight  of  birds. 
If 'gainst  Heaven's  will  we  strive  to  reach  down  blessingS;^ 
In  our  possession  they  become  a  curse : 
But  what  the  Gods  spontaneously  confer 
Is  beneficial. 

CHORTJS. 
In  a  thousand  forms, 
A  thousand  various  woes  overwhelm  mankind  : 
But  life  can  scarce  aflbrd  one  happy  scene. 

CREUSA. 
Elsewhere  as  well  as  here  art  thou  unjust 
To  her,  O  Phosbus,  who  tho'  absent  speaks 
By  me.     For  thou  hast  not  preserved  thy  Son 
Whom  thou  wert  bound  to  save  \  nor  wilt  thou  answer 
H  is  Mother's  questions,  P»rophet  as  thou  art : 
That,  if  he  be  no  more,  there  may  a  tomb 
For  him  be  heap'd  ;  or  haply  if  he  live. 
She  may  at  length  behold  her  dearest  child. 
But  now  no  more  of  this,  if  me  the  God 
Forbid  to  ask  what  most  I  wish  to  know. 
Conceal,  O  gentle  Stranger,  (for  I  see 
My  lord  the  noble  Xuthus  is  at  hand. 
Who  from  the  cavern  of  Trophonius  comes] 
What  thou  hast  heard,  lest  I  incur  reproach 
For  thus  divulging  secrets,  and  my  words, 
l^ot  as  I  spoke  them^  sbottkL  be.biazM  abroad  : 


1 1«  10N« 

« 

For  the  condition  of  our  sex  is  hard, 
Subject  to  man's  caprice ;   and  virtdous  dames, 
From  being  mingled  with  the  bad^  are  hated : 
Such,  such  is  woman's  miserable  doom. 

XUTHUS,  CREUSA,  ION,  CHORUS. 

XTTTHUS. 

t 

I  to  the  God  bearin  t'  address  mvself : 
Him  first  I  hail ;  and  you  ray  Consort  next. 
Hath  my  long  stay  alarm'd  you  f 

CREUSA. 

No :  thou  com'st 
To  her  who  is  opprest  with  anxious  thoughts* 
Say  from  Trophonius  what  response  thou  briog'st ; 
Doth  hope  of  issue  wait  us  ? 

XUTHUS. 

He  refus'd 
T*  anticipate  the  prophesies  of  Phoebos, 
All  that  be  said  was  this ;  nor  I,  nor  thoii^ 
Shall  from  this  temple  to  our  home  return 
I'hus  destitute  of  children. 

CREUSA. 

Holy  (10)  Mother 
Of  Phoebus,  to  our  journey  grant  success; 
And  O  may  fortune  yet  have  bliss  in  store 
For  those  on  whom  thy  son  erst  deign'd  to  smile. 

XUTHUS. 
Thy  vows  shall  be  accompiish'd :  but  what  Prophet 
Officiates  in  this  temple  of  the  God  ?  ' 

ION. 

I  here  without  am  station*d :  but  within, 
O  Stranger,  others  near  the  tripod  take 
Their  seat,  from  Delphi*s  noblest  citizens 
Chosen  by  lot. 

XUTHUS. 
Tis  well :   I  have  attained 

(10)  Latona.  _;^ 

I 


ION.  11:) 

The  utmost  of  my  wishes,  and  will  enter 
The  sanctuary,  for  here  before  the  temple, 
I  am  informed,  the  oracles  in  public 
To  foreigners  are  utter'd  ;  on  this  day 
(For  *tis  a  solemn  feast)  we  mean  to  hear 
The  God's  prophetic  voice.     O  woman,  take 
Branches  of  laurel,  and  at  every  altar 
Offer  up  vows  to  the  immortal  Powers, 
That  I  from  Phoebus'  temple  may  procure 
This  answer,  that  my  wishes  shall  be  crown'd 
With  an  anspicious  progeny. 

Creusa. 

Depend 
On  their  completion  :  but  were  Phoebus'  self 
Dispos'd  to  make  atonement  for  past  wrongs. 
He  now,  alas  !  no  longer  can  to  me 
Entirely  be  a  friend  :  yet  I  from  him 
Whate'er  he  pleases  am  constraint  to  take. 
Because  he  is  a  God.      [Exeunt  xuthus  and  creusa.' 

ION. 

In  mystic  words. 
Why  doth  this  foreign  Dame,  against  our  God 
Still  glance  reproaches,  ihro'  a  strong  attachment 
To  her  for  whom  she  hither  to  consult 
The  oracle  is  come  ;  or  dolh  she  hide 
Some  circumstance  unfit  to  be  disclos'd? 
But  vvith  Erccthcus'  Daughter  what  concern 
Have  I,  what  interest  in  th'  Athenian  realm  ? 
Pll  go  and  sprinkle  from  the  golden  vase 
Thelustral  waters.     Yet  must  I  condemn 
Phoebus:   what  means  he?    To  the  ravish'd  Maid 
Unfaithful  hath  he  prov'd  :  hi4  Son,  by  stealth 
Begotten,  left  neglected  to  expire; 
Act  thou  not  thus  ;  but  since  thou  ait  supreme 
In  majesty,  let  virtue  too  be  thine. 
For  whosoever  of  the  human  race 
Transgresses,  with  severity  the  Gods 

VOL.    HI.  I 


114  ION. 

Punish  his  crimes :  then  how  can  it  be  just 

For  you,  whose  written  laws  mankind  obey^ 

Yourselves  to  break  them  ?    Tho'  'twili  never  be> 

This  supposition  will  1  make>  that  Thou, 

Neptune,  and  Jove  who  in  the  Heaven  bears  role^ 

Should  make  atonement  to  mankind  for  those 

Whom  ye  have  forcibly  deflour'd ;  your  temples 

Must  ye, exhaust  to  pay  the  fines  impos'd 

On  your  base  deeds  :  for  when  ye  follow  pleasure, 

Heedless  of  decency,  ye  act  amiss ; 

No  longer  is  it  just  to  speak  of  Men 

As  wicked,  if  the  conduct  of  the  Gods 

We  imitate  :  our  censures  rather  ought 

To  fall  on  those  who  such  examples  give.     {^Exit  ion. 

CHORUS. 

ODE. 

I. 

0  thou  who  aid'st  the  matron's  throes,    ^ 
(li)  Come  Eilithya,  for  to  thee  I  sue; 

Minerva  next  with  honours  due 

1  hail,  who  by  Prometheus'  aid  arose 

In  arms  refulgent  from  the  front  of  Jove, 
Nor  knew  a  mother's  fostering  love; 

(11)  "  The  Goddess  here  invoked  under  tlie  title  of  Ihthya,  is  fixed 
<<  by  the  return  of  the  sentence,  ^here  the  Chorus  expressly  calls  iier 
<<  the  Daughter  of  Latona,  to  imply  Diana:  because  the  title  of  liithya 
^*  is  not  alone  sufficient,  as  this  is  often  applied  'to  anotlier  Grecian 
''  Goddess  incompatible  mth  Diana;  thus  this  Ilithya  i^  described 
"  as  present  at  tlie  travail  of  Latona,  the  mother  of  Piana,  by  the 
"  author  of  the  Hymn  to  Apollo  ascribed  to  Homer.  Cailiraachiu 
<'  makes  Diana,  in  his  Hymn  to  this  Goddess,  declare  that  from  her 
<<  birth  she  ^-as  destined  to  preside  over  tlie  travail  of  women.  In 
"  regard  to  the  deiivation  of  the  word  Ilithya,  Phumutus  deduces 
''  it  either  from  Wh/fxtn,  in  allusion  to  her  constant  revolution  round 
"  the  Karth,  as  the  Moon,  or  from  iKkAu,  to  come,  as  attcm'in?  fhe 
"  call  of  pregnant  women :  but  accordmg  to  Wesselingius,  in  his  edi- 
"  tion  of  Diodorus  Siculus,  this  word  is  of  Phcenician  extraction,  and 
"  comes  from  a  terra  in  tliat  langnr.ge,    signifying    to   biing   forth." 

Mr.  JonRELL. 


ION.  115 

Victorious  Queen,  arm'd  with  resistless  might 

O'er  Pythian  fanes  thy  plumage  spread. 
Forsake  awhile  Olympus'  golden  bed, 
.  O  wing  thy  rapid  flight 

Tq  this  blest  land  where  Phoebus  reigns. 
This  center  of  the  world  his  chosen  seat. 
Where  from  his  tripod  in  harmonious  strains. 
Doth  he  th'  unerring  prophesy  repeat : 

With  Latona's  Daughter  join. 
For  thou  like  her  art  spotless  and  divine  ; 
Sisters  of  Phoebus,  with  persuasive  grace. 

Ye  Virgins  sue,  nor  sue  in  vain. 
That,  from  his  oracles,  Erectheus'  race 
To  the  Athenian  throne  a  noble  Heir  may  gaip. 

I£. 

Object  of  Heaven's  peculiar  care 
Is  he  whose  Children,  vigorous  from  their  birth, 

Nurs'd  on  the  foodfiil  lap  of  earth. 
Adorn  his  mansion,  and  his  transports  share : 
No  patrimonial  treasures  can  exceed 

Theirs  who  by  each  heroic  deed 
Augmeiyt  the  fame  of  an  illustrious  Sire^ 

And  to  their  children's  children  leave 
Th'  invaluable  heritage  entire. 
In  troubles  we  receive 

From  duteous  Sons  a  timely  aid, 
And  social  pleasure  in  our  prosperous  hours. 
The  daring  youth,   in  brazen  arms- array 'd. 
Guards  with  protended  lance  his  native  towers. 

To  lure  these  eyes,  tho'  gold  were  spread, 
Tho*  Hymen  wanton'd  on  a  regal  bed. 
Such  virtuous  offspring  would  my  soul  prefer. 

The  lonely  childless  life  1  hate. 
And  deem  that  they  who  choose  it  greatly  err. 
Blest  with  a  teeming  couch,  I  ask  no  kingly  state. 

I  2 


116  ION. 

IIL 

Ye  shadowy  groves  where  sportive  Pan  is  seen, 
Stupendous  rocks  whose  pine-clad  summits  wave. 

Where  oft  near  Macra's  darksome  cave, 
Light  spectres,  o'er  the  consecrated  green, 
|I2J  Agraulos'  Daughters' lead  the  dance 
Before  the  portals  of  Minerva's  fane 

To  the  shrill  flute's  varied  strain. 
When  from  thy  caverns,  thro'  the  vale  around, 

O  Pan,  the  cheering  notes  resound. 
Under  those  hanging  cliffs  (ahhorr'd  mischance!) 

Some  Nymph  a  Son  to  Phoebus  bore. 
Whom  she  to  ravenous  birds  a  bloody  feast 

Expos'd,  and  to  each  savage  beast; 

Her  shame,  her  conscious  guilt,  deplore. 
Nor  at  my  loom,  nor  by  the  voice  of  Fame 

Have  I  e'er  heard  it  sard, 
The  base-born  issue  of  some  human  Maid, 
Begotten  by  a  God,  to  bliss  have  any  claim. 

ION,   CHORUS. 

ION. 

O  ye  attendants  on  your  noble  mistress, 
Who  watch  around  the  basis  of  this  fane, 

(12)  '^Agraulos,  the  wife  of  Cccrops,  has  been  mentioned  in  a 
**  former  note.  Aglauros  her  Daughter  had  a  temple  beneath  the 
"  Acropolis,  according  to  Herodotus,  L.  8,  c.  55,  where  the  situation 
"  is  accnrdtely  described.  Paiisanias,  Att.  c.  18,  caUs  it  a  grove,  to 
"  give  the  reader  to  understand  tliat  there  was  an  area  round  t^e 
<*  temple.  Tiie  Athenian  women  swore  by  Pandrosos :  Aristophanes, 
"  Lysistrate,  v.  444 ;  whence  it  is  evident,  that  she  also  had  divine 
''  honours  paid  to  her.  Ihe  same  appears  in  regard  to  Herse  from 
"  the  word  App»f>ogt«  in  .Suidas,  with  whom  the  rest  of  tlie  Gramma- 
<'  rians  accord.  A^in,  see  what  is  said  of  Aglauros  in  Hesychius, 
"  under  the  word  JixWh^n,  Tliis  account  of  the  Daughters  of  Cecrops 
"  leading  the  dance  atler  their  death,  may  be  compared  with  the 
**  table  of  Protesilaus,  who  is  s.iitl  after  he  was  dead  to 'have  been 
"  seen  running  and  performiajr  vmiDua  gymnastic  exercises  in  the 
"  Thracian  Chersonesus.  See  also  wliit  the  Geographers,  to  whom 
*^  add  Tzetzes  on  Lycophron,  v,  19,^',  say  of  the  Course  of  Achilles.** 

Dr.  Musgraye. 


ION.  117 

Say,  whether  Xuthus  have  already  left 
The  tripod  and  oracular  recess, 
Or  in  the  temple  dolh  he  stay  to  ask 
More  questions  yet  about  his  childless  state  ? 

CHORUS. 

He  is  within,  nor  yet  hath  pass'd  the  threshold 
Of  these  abodes,  O  Stranger  :  but  we  h^ar 
The  sounding  hinges  of  yon  gates  announce 
His  coming  forth  :  and  see  my  lord  advances. 

XUTHUS,  ION,  CHORUS. 

XUTHUS. 

On  thee,  my  Son,  may  every  bliss  attend  : 
For  such  an  introduction  suits  my  speech. 

•  ION. 

With  me  all's  well :  but  learn  to  think  aright^ 
And  we  shall  both  be  happy. 

xuiteus. 

Give  thy  hand, 
And  suffer  me  t*  embrace  thee. 

ION. 

Are  your  senses 
Yet  unimpaired,  or  hath  the  secret  curse 
Some  Gods  inflicts,  O  Stranger,  made  you  frantic? 

XUTHUS. 

In  my  right  mind  am  I,  if  having  found 
Him  whom  I  hold  most  dear,  I  wish  t'  embrace  him. 

ION. 

Desist,  nor  touch  me,  lest  your  rude  hand  tear 
The  garlands  of  the  God. 

XUTHUS. 

Now  in  these  arms 
Thee  I  have  caught,  no  pledge  will  I  receive; 
For  I've  discovered  my  beloved  Son. 

ION. 

Wilt  thou  not  leave  me,  ere  these  shafts  transpierce 
Your  vitals? 


118  ION. 

XUTHUS. 

Bui  vfhy  shun  me^  now  tbou  know'st 
That  I  to  thee  by  such  strong  ties  am  bound? 

ION. 

Because  to  me  it  is  (13)  no  welcome  office 
Foolish  and  frantic  strangers  to  recall 
To  their  right  reason. 

XUTHUS. 

Take  my  life  away, 
And  burn  my  corse ;  but  if  thou  kill  me,  thou 
Wilt  be  thy  father's  murderer. 

ION. 

How  are  you 
My  father?     Is  not  this  ridiculous? 

XUTHUS. 

In  a  few  words  to  thee  would  I  explain 
Our  near  connection. 

ION. 

What  have  you  to  say  ? 

XUTHUS. 
I  am  thy  Sire,  and  thou  art  my  own  Son. 

ION. 

Who  told  you  this? 

XUTHUS. 

Apollo,  by  whose  care 
Thou,  O  my  Son,  wert  nurtur'd  in  this  fane. 

ION. 

You  for  yourself  bear  witness. 

XUTHUS 

Having  searched 
The  oracles  of  this  unerring  God  — 

(13)  Tlie  reading  of  the  Aldus  edition  is  9fHh»i,  v^hich,  being  inad- 
missible on  account  of  the  first  syllable  being  short,  8caliger,  and 
after  him  Barnes,  read  »  (fikuy  ^hieh  appears  to  me  more  conformable 
to  the  dialogue.  Dr.  Musgrave  is  of  a  difierent  opinion,  and  proposes 
reading  on  ^Xw ;  Carmelli  uAfiAoy,  and  to  make '  tlie  speech  interroga- 
tive. 


I     V 


ION.  JJ9 

ION. 

Some  phrase  of  dubious  import  have  you  heard^ 
Which  hath  misled  you. 

XUTHUS, 

Heard  I  not  aria:ht  ? 

ION. 

What  said  Apollo  i 

XUTHUS, 

That  the  man  who  meets  me*-" 

ION, 

Where  i 

XUTQUS. 

As  I  from  the  temple  of  the  God 
Am  going  forth.    . 

ION. 
What  fortunes  ]im  awfiit? 

XUTHUS. 

Those  of  my  Son. 

ION. 

By  birth  or  thrq'  a^optipR^ 

XUTHUS. 
A  gift  and  my  own  Child. 

ION. 

A91 1  the  fir^t 
You  light  on  ? 

XUTHUS. 

I  have  met  none  else,  my  Son. 

ION. 
Whence  springs  this  strange  vicissitude  of  fortune? 

XUTHUS. 

The  same  event  with  wonder  strikes  us  both. 

ION. 

To  you,  what  mother  bore  me  ? 

XUTHUS. 

This  I  I^DOW  not. 

ION. 

Did  not  Apollo  say  ? 


120  ION. 

XUTHUS. 

I  was  delighted 
With  what  he  had  reveal'd,  and  search*d  no  farther. 

ION. 
From  mother  Earth  I  surely  sprung. 

XUTHUS. 

The  ground 

Brings  forth  do  children. 

ION. 
How  can  I  be  yours  f 

XUTHUS. 

I  know  not ;   but  refer  thee  to  the  God. 

ION. 
Some  other  subject  let  us  now  begin. 

XUTHUS. 

This  is  a  topic^  O  my  Son,  to  me 
Most  interesting. 

ION. 

The  joys  of  lawless  love 
Have  you  experienced? 

XUTHUS. 

Yes,  thro'  youthful  folly* 

ION. 

Ere  you  were  wedded  to  Erectheus'  Daughter? 

XUTHUS. 

Not  ever  since. 

ION. 

Did  you  beget  me  then  ? 

XUTHUS. 

The  time  just  tallies. 

ION. 

But  how  came  I  hither  ? 

XUTHUS. 

This  quite  perplexes. 

ION. 

From  a  distant  land  i 


ION.  ni 

XUTHirS. 
In  this  I  also  find  new  cause  for  doubt. 

ION. 

Did  you  ascend  erewbile  the  Pythian  rock  ? 

XUTHUS. 

To  celebrate  the  festivals  of  Bacchus. 

ION. 

But  to  what  host  did  you  repair  ? 

XUTHUS. 

The  same 
Who  me  wiih  Delphic  maids—- 

ION. 

Initiated? 
Or  what  is  it  you  mean  ? 

XUTHUS. 

The  Maenades 
Of  Bromius  too. 

ION. 

While  sober,  or  o'erpower'd 
By  wine  ? 

XUTHUS. 

The  joys  of  Bacchus  had  ensnar'd  me. 

.  ION. 

Hence  it  appears  I  was  begotten  then. 

XUTHUS. 

Fate  hath  at  length  discovered  thee,  my  Son. 

ION. 

But  to  this  fane  how  could  I  come  f 

XUTHUS. 

The  Nymph 
Perhaps  expos'd  thee. 

ION. 
I  from  servitude 
Have  made  a  blest  escape. 

XUTHUS. 

Now,  O  my  Son,  *       ' 

Embrace  thy  Sire. 


12,2  lON. 

lOK. 

I  ought  not  to  distrust 
The  God. 

'  XUTHUS. 

Thou  think'st  aright. 

ION. 

And  is  there  aught 
That  I  capi  wish  for  more  — 

XUTHUS. 

Thou  now  behold'st 
As  much  as  it  concerns  thee  to  behold. 

ION. 
Than  from  Joye'a  Son  to  spring  i 

XUTHUS. 

Which  is  thy  lot, 

ION. 

May  I  embrace  the  author  of  my  birth  ? 

XUTHUS. 

To  the  God  yielding  credence. 

ION, 

Haii^  my  Father. 

XUTHUS. 

With  ecstasy  that  title  I  receive. 

ION. 

This  day— 

XUTHUS. 

Hath  made  me  happy. 

ION« 

My  dear  Mother, 
Shall  I  e'er  see  thee  ?  More  than  ever  now 
(Be  who  thou  wilt)  I  for  that  moment  long. 
But  thou  perhaps  art  dead^  i^nd  I  for  thee 
Can  how  do  nothing. 

CHORUS. 

With  our  Monarch's  house 
We  share  the  glad  event :  yet  could  I  wish 
My:  royal  mistress  and  Erectheus'  race 


ION.  n^ 

With  children  had  becQ  blest. 

XUTHUS. 

The  God,  ray  Son, 
In  thy  discovery  hath  done  well ;  to  him 
I  owe  this  liappy  union;  thou  too  find'st 
A  Father,  tho'  thou  never  knew'st  till  now 
-By  whom  thou  wert  begotten  :  with  thy  wishes 
Mine,  O  my  Son,  conspire,  that  thou  may'st  find 
Thy  Mother,  and  that  [  may  learn  who  bore  thee. 
By  leaving  this  to  lime,  we  may  at  length 
Perhaps  discover  her  :    but  now  forsaking 
jApoIlo's  temple  and  this  exii'd  state. 
With  duteous  zeal  accompany  thy  Sire 
To»  Athens,  where  this  heritage  awaits  thee, 
A  prosperous  sceptre  and  abuudant  wealth : 
Nor  tho'  thou  want  one  parent,  can  the  name. 
Or  of  ignoble,  or  of  poor  be  thine : 
But  for  thy  noble  birth  shalt  thou  be  fam'd. 
And  thy  abundant  treasures.     Art  thou  silent  ? 
Why  dost  thou  fix  thine  eyes  upon  the  ground  ? 
Thy  anxious  thoughts  return,  and  thou,  thus  chang'd 
From  thy  past  cheerfulness,  alarm'st  my  soul. 

ION. 
Things  at  a  distance  wear  not  the  same  semblance 
As  when  on  them  we  fix  a  closer  view. 
I  certainly  with  gratitude  embrace 
My  better  fortunes,  having  found  in  you 
A  Father.     But  whence  rose  my  anxious  thoughts 
Now  hear  :  in  Athens,  I  am  told,  a  Native 
Is  deem'd  a  glorious  name,  not  so  the  race 
Of  aliens  :  I  its  gates  shall  enter  laden 
With  these  two  evils ;  from  a  foreign  Sire 
iJescended,  and  myself  a  spurious  child. 
Branded  with  this  reproach,  dooniM  to  continue 
In  base  obscurity,  I  shall  be  call'd 
A  man  of  no  account:  but  if  intruding 
Into  the  highest  stations  in  the  city, 


]24  ION. 

I  aim  at  being^great,  I  shall  incur 
Hate  from  the  vulgar,  for  superior  power 
Is  to  tlie  people  odious  ;  but  the  friends 
Of  virtue,  they  whose  elevated  souls 
With  real  wisdom  are  endu'd,  observe 
A  modest  silence,  nor  with  eager  haste   ,- 
Kush  into  public  business;   such  as  these 
Will  laiugh  and  brand  me  with  an  ideot's  name^ 
For  not  remaining  quiet  in  a  land 
Which  with  tumultuous  outrages  abounds. 
Again,  will  those  of  a  distinguished  rank 
Who  at  the  helm  preside,  when  I  attempt 
To  raise  myself  to  honours,  be  most  wary 
How  on  an  alien  thcv  their  votes  confer, 
For  thus,  my  Sire,  'tis  ever  wont  to  be  ; 
They  who  possess  authority  and  rank 
Loathii  their  competitors.     But  when  I  come^ 
Unwelcome  stranger,  to  a  foreign  house 
And  to  the  childless  matron  ;  partner  once 
In  your  calamity,  of  all  her  hopes 
Now  reft,  with  bitter  anguish  will  she  feel 
In  private  this  misfortune :    by  what  means 
Can  I  escape  her  hatred,  at  your  footstool 
When  I  am  seated,  but  she  still  remaining 
A  childless  consort,  with  malignant  eyes 
The  object  of  your  tenderness  beholds? 
Then  or,  betraying  me,  will  you  regard 
Your  wife  :  or  by  ih'  esteem  for  me  exprest, 
A  dire  confusion  in  your  palace  cause. 
For  men,  by  female  subtlety,  liow  oft 
Have  poisons  been  invented  to  destroy; 
Yet  is  my  pity  to  your  Consort  due. 
Childless  and  hastening  to  the  vale  of  years ; 
Sprung  from  heroic  sires  she  ill  deserves 
To  pine  thro'  want  of  issue.     But  the  face 
Of  Empire  whom  we  foolishly  commend 
Is  fair  indeed,  tho'  in  her  mansions  Grief 


ION.  123 

Hath  fix'd  her  loath'd  abode.     For  who  is  happy,  ^ 

"Who  fortunate,  when  his  whole  life  is  spent 
In  circumspection  and  in  anxious  fears  ? 
Rather  would  I  in  an  ignoble  state 
Live  blest,  than  be  n  Monarch  wlio  delights 
In  evil  friends,  and  hates  the  good,  still  fearing 
The  stroke  of  death,     i^erhaps  you  will  reply 
That  gold  can  all  these  obstacles  surmount. 
And  to  grow  rich  is  sweet.     I  would  not  hear 
Tumultuous  sounds,  or  grievous  toils  endure, 
Because  these  hands  my  treasures  still  retain. 
May  I  possess  an  humhier  rank  exempt 
From  sorrow!  O  mv  Sire,  let  nie  describe 
The  blessings  I  have  here  enjoy 'd;  first  ease, 
To  man  most  grateful,  by  the  busy  crowd 
I  seldom  was  molested,  from  my  path 
No  villain  drove  me  :   not  to  be  endur'd 
Is  this,  when  we  to  base  competitors 
Are  forced  to  yield  pre-eminence.     I  pray'd 
Fervently  to  the  Gods,  or  minister'd 
To  mortals,  and  witJi  those  who  did  rejoice 
I  never  grievVl.     Some  strangers  I  dismissed,] 
Rul  others  came.     Hence  a  new  object  still 
Did  I  remain^  and  each   new  votary  please. 
Wliat  men  are  bound  to  wish  for,  even  they 
Who  with  reluctance  practise  what  they  ought. 
The  laws  conspired  to  aid  my  natural  benf. 
And  in  the  sight  of  Phoebus  made  me  just. 
These  things  maturely  weighing  in  my  breast, 
I  deem  my  situation  here  exceeds 
What  Athens  can  bestow.     Allow  me  then 
The  privilege  of  living  to  myself: 
For  'tis  an  equal  blessing,  or  to  taste 
The  splendid  gifts  of  fortune  with  delight. 
Or  in  an  humbler  station  rest  content. 

CHORUS. 

Well  hast  thou  spoken  :  could  thy  words  conduce 


126  ION. 

To  the  felicity  of  those  I  love ! 

XUTHUS. 
Cease  to  speak  thus,  and  learn  how  to  be  happy: 
For  on  the  spot  where  thee  I  found,  my  Son, 
Will  I  perform  due  rites,  the  social  board 
Crown  with  a  public  banquet,  and  slay  victims 
In  celebration  of  thy  natal  day, 
Which  with  no  sacrifice  hath' yet  been  grac'd. 
But  now  conducting  thee,  as  if  a  guest 
Enter'd  my  doprs,   thee  with  a  splendid  feast 
Will  I  regale,  and  to  th'  .Athenian  reahn 
Lead  thee  as  one  who  comes  to  view  the  land. 
Not  as  my  Son  ;  because  I  would  not  grieve 
My  Consort  who  is  childless,  while  myself 
In  thee  am  blest :  yet  will  I  seize  at  length 
Some  happy  moment,  and  on  her  prevail 
To  let  thee  wield  my  sceptre.     By  the  name 
Of  Ion,  I  accost  thee,  which  best  suits 
Th'  event  that  happened,  since,  as  I  came  forth 
From  Phoebus'  temple,  thou  didst  meet  me  first. 
CoUectinc;  therefore  all  thv  band  of  friends. 
Previous  to  thy  departure  from  the  city 
Of  Delphi,  with  the  victim  ox  regale  them. 
But  I  command  you,  Damsels,  to  conceal 
What  I  have  said;  for  if  ye  to  my  Wife 
Disclose  It,  ye  shall  die.  [Exit  xuthus. 

ION. 

Then  will  I  go : 
Yet  is  there  one  thing  wanting  to  complete 
My  better  fortunes ;  for  I  cannot  live 
With  comfort,  if  I  find  not  her  who  bore  me. 
If  I  might  yet  presume  to  wish  for  aught, 
O  may  my  Mother  prove  to  be  a  dame 
Of  Athens,  that  from  her  I  may  inherit 
Freedom  of  speech !     For  if  a  stranger  come 
Jnto  that  ciiy  pure  from  foreign  mixture, 
Altho'  he  be  a  denizen  in  name, 


ION. 


127 


By  servile  fear  his  faltering  tongue  is  tied, 

Nor  dares  he  freely  utter  what  he  thbks.     lExit  ion. 

CHORUS. 

O    ,D    E. 

I. 

I  view  the  tears  which  from  her  eyes  shall  flow 
The  sorrows  that  shall  rend  her  breast. 

Soon  as  my  Queen  th'  unwelcome  truth  shall  know 
That  with  an  Heir  her  Lord  is  blest. 
While  she  forlorn  and  childless  pines. 

What  Priest,  O  Phoebus,  chanted  thy  decrees? 

Who  bore  this  Stripling  nurtured  in  thy  shrines? 
Suspected  frauds  my  soul  displease. 
Unwonted  terrors  rend  my  heart. 

While  thou  to  him  unfold'st  a  blest  event. 

The  Boy  is  vers'd  in  every  treacherous  art, 

To  him  her  choicest'  gifts  hath  Fortune  lent, 

Rear'd,  base-born  alien,  in  a  foreign  land. 
These  obvious  truths  who  fails  with  me  to  understand  ? 

II. 

Shall  we,  my  friends,  to  our  Queen's  wounded  ear 

Without  the  least  disguise  relate 
How  he  proves  false  who  to  her  soul  is  dear. 

Her  partner  in  each  change  of  fate, 

Hiat  Lord  in  whom  her  hopes  were  plac'd  I 
But  he  is  happy  now,  while  she  descends 
Thro*  misery  to  the  vale  of  years  in  haste: 

Disdain'd  by  all  his  virtuous  friends' 

Shall  Xuthus  droop^  thro'  Fortune's  power. 
To  our  rich  mansions,  who  a  stranger  came. 
Nor  duly  priz*d  her  gift,  the  royal  dower: 

Perish  the  traitor  to  our  honoured  Dame ! 

Ne'er  may  his  incense  to  the  Gods  ascend ! 
Creusa  shall  know  this. — I  am  cmt  Sovereign's  friend. 


laK  ION. 

IIL 

With  his  new  Son  th'  exulting  Sire 

Ah'e^dy  16  the  festive  banquet  hies, 

Where  steep  Parnassus'  hills  aspire, 
Whose  rocky  summits  touch  the  skies, 
WMiere  Bacchus  lifts  a  blazing  pine, 
And  the  gay  Maenades  to  join 

His  midnight  dances  haste.— With  footsteps  rude 
Ne'er  may  this  Boy  intrude 

Into  my  city  :  rather  may  he  die, 
And  quit  life's  radiant  morn  : 
For  groaning  Athens  would  with  scaro, 
N  And  jealous  eyes,  the  alien  view, 

JSliouId  Xuthus'  fraud  such  cause  for  scorn  supply. 
Enough  for  her  that  o'er  her  plain 

Erst  did  Erectheus  stretch  a  wide  doinain, 

Still  be  each  (;atriot  to  his  children  true. 

CREUSA,  OLD  MAN,  CHORUS. 

CREUSA. 
Thou  venerable  man,   who  didst  attend 
EroctluHis  the  deceas'd,  my  honour'd  Sire, 
Mow  mount  the  God's  oracular  abode, 
That  thou  my  joys,  if  Phoebus  mighty  King 
The  birth  of  children  shall  foretell,  may'st  share- 
For  surely  to  be  happy  with  our  friends 
Is  most  delightful  :  but  (which  Heaven  forbid.') 
Should  any  evil  happen,  to  behold 
The  face  of  a  benii>nant  man  is  sweet. 
For  tho'  I  am  thy  Queen,  as  thou  didst  erst 
Honour  my  Father,  in  that  Father's  stead 
1  reverence  those  grey  hairs. 

OLD    MAN. 

You  still  retain 
A  courtesy  of  manners,  which,   O  Daughter, 
Suits  your  illustrious  lineage:  you  bely  not 


u 


ION.  J3l 

OU>  MAN. 

Before  we  learn  — 

CR^USA. 

Alas^  what  farther  tidings 
Can  I  expe.ct  ? 

OLD  MAN. 

Whether  our  Lord  endure 
The  same^   and  share  yqur  wpes^  or  you  alone 
To  adverse  fortune,  are  expos'd.  . 

CHOHPS; 

On  him^ 
Thou  aged  maOy  Apollo  hath  bestow'd 
A  SoQ,  this  blessing,  singly  he  enjoys 
Without  his  Consort. 

CRBUBA. 

You  to  me  unfold 
The  greatest  of  all  evils,  an  affliction 
Which  claims  ipy  groans. 

OLD  MAN. 

Bqt  is  the  Son  you  speak  of 
To  spring  hereafter  from  some  XHame  unknown. 
Or  did  Apollo's  oracle  declare .. 
That  he  is  boi^n.alireaidy^' 

.      »      CHOJRUS.     •     . 

To  thy  Lord  ' 
Phoebus  an  offspring  give^,  already  born, 
Who  hath  attaint  the  age  of  blooming  manhood : 
For  I  was  present. 

CREUSA. 
What  is  this  you  say? 
To  me  have  you  related  such  a  tale 
As  no  tongue  ought*  to  utjter. 

OLD   MAN. 

.    And  to  me* 

CRBUSA. 

But  by  what  means^  yet  undfados'd,  the  God 
This  oracle  to  its  completion  brings, 

K  S 


ISO  V>^ 

CHO(RUS. 

Ah,  wretched  mp!  biij;' wh^erefore  am  X  wQuoded 
By  oracles  that  to  my  lords  belong  i 
No  more*    Why  should  I  venture  to  relate 
A  tale  for  which  mjr  recompence  is  death  (15)  i 

CREUSA* 

What  means  this  plaint,  and  whence  arisQ  yout  fears  ? 

CHORUS. 

Sh^U  we  speak  out,  shall  we  observe  stirict  silence. 
Or  how  shall  we  proceed  ? 

CREUSA, 
Tell  what  yoA  kt^otf 
O^  the  misfortune  which  invades  your  Queen. 

CHORIJSf. 

Yes,  thou  should'st  hear  it  all,  tho^  twofold  death 
Awaited  me.     Ne'er  shall  those  arms  sustain^ 
Nor  to  thy  bosom  shalt  thou  ever  clasp 
The  wisb'd-for  progeny. 

OLD  MAN. 

Alas^  my  Daughter, 

Would  I  were  dead  ! 

QREUSA. 

Wretch  that  I  am  1  the  woe? 
Ye  have  reveaPd,  my  friends^  make  life  a  curse. 

PW)  MIAN. 
We  perish,  O  my  Daughter. 

QR^ySA. 

Griet  alag! 
Pierces  my  vitals. 

OLD   MAN. 

Thos^  untiniely  gro^n? 
Suppress. 

CREUSA, 

My  plaints  unbi<}d^n.  force  their  way. 

(15)  Xothns  having,  at  his  leaving  the  it^e,  ▼•  667,  edit  Baniet, 
threatened  the  Attendants  of  Qreiuay  who  compose  tut  Chorus,  that  he 
wonld  ^iit  them  to  death  if  tfa^  infiMwed  tlpQur.  s^tren  4C:  wbittfae 
eradelnd  declared  in  regard  to  tl)e  birth  of  Ion. 


ION.  m 

OLD  MAN. 

Before  we  learn  — 

Alas^  what  farther  tidings 
Can  I  expect  f 

OLD  MAN. 
Whether  our  Lord  end  are 
The  same^   and  share  yqur  wqes^  or  you  alone. 
To  adverse  fortune,  are  expos'd.  , 

CHOKTO; 

On  him^ 
Thou  aged  nmo,  Apollq  h«^th  bestow'd 
A  SoQ,  this  blessing,  singly  he^njoys 
Without  his  Consort. 

CnBUBA. 
You  to  me  unfold 
The  greatest  of  all  evils,  an  affliction 
Which  claims  my  groans. 

0U>  MAN. 

Bqt  is  the  Son  you  speak  of 
To  spring  hereafter  from  some  Daane  unknown^ 
Or  did  Apollo's  oracle  declare  . 
That  he  is  boi^n.  aJj^endy ^ 

.      .      CHOJRUS*     ♦     . 

To  thy  Lord  ' 
Phoebus  an  offspring  give^,  .already  born, 
Who  hath  attained  the  age  of  blooming  manhood : 
For  I  was  present. 

CEEUSA. 

What  is  this  you  say? 
To  me  have  you  related  such  a  tale 
As  no  tongue  ought  to  Ulster. 

OLD   MAN. 

And  to  me* 

CRBUSA. 

But  by  what  means^  yet  undfados'd,  the  God 
This  oracle  to  its  completion  brings, 

K  « 


l»  ION. 

Inform  me  more  explicitly,  and  who 
This  stripling  is. 

CHORUS. 

Apollo  to  thy  Husband 
Gare  for  a  Son  him  whom  he  first  should  meet. 
As  from  the  temple  of  the  God  he  came. 

CREUSA. 

But  a»  for  me,  alas !  thro'  my  whole  life 
Accurs'd  and  sentenc'd  to  a  childless  state, 
In  solitary  mansions  shall  I  dwelL 
What  youth  was  by  the  oracle  design'd  i 
Whom  did  the  Husband  of  unhappy  me 
Meet  in  his  passage ;  how,  of  where  behold  hiin  ? 

CHORUS. 

Know'st  thou  that  stripling,  O  my  dearest  Queen^ 
Who  swept  the  temple?  he  is  Xuthus'  son. 

CREUSA. 

Ah,  would  to  Heaven  that  I  could  wing  my  flighty 
Thro'  the  dark  air  beyond  the  Grecian  land 
To  the  Hesperian  stars !  How  great,  how  great 
Are  the  aiRictions  I  endure ! 

OLD  MAN. 

What  name 
His  Father  gave  him,  know  you,  or  is  tbi» 
Yet  undetermin'd  f 

CHORUS, 

Ion  was  he  call'd. 
Because  he  first  his  happy  Father  met. 

OLD   MAN. 
Who  was  his  Mother? 

CHORUS. 

That  I  cannot  tell : 
But  to  acquaint  thee,  O  thou  aged  man. 
With  all  that's  .in  my  power,  her  Husband  went. 
In  privacy  to  offer  up  a  victim 
Forjhe  discovery,  and  the  natal  day 
Of  his  new  Son,  and  in  the  hallow'd  tent 


ION.  ISS' 

With  him  will  celebrate  a  genial  banquet* 

OLD    MAN. 

My  honoured  Mistress^  (for  with  you  I  grieve) 
We  are  betray'd  by  your  perfidious  Lord^ 
Wrong'd  by  premeditated  frauds  and  cast 
Porth  from  Erectheus'  house :  I  speak  not  this 
^faro'  hatred  to  your  Husband,  but  because 
I  love  you  more  than  him,  who  wedding  you 
When  to  the  city  be  a  stranger  came. 
Your  palace  too  and  whole  inheritance 
With  you  receiving,  on  some  other  Dame 
Appears  to  have  begotten  sons  by  stealth : 
How  'twas  by  stealth  1*11  prove ;  when  he  perireiv'd 
That  you  were  barren,  be  was  not  content 
To  share  the  self-same  fate,  but  on  a  slave 
Whom  he  embraced  in  secrecy,  begot 
And  to  some  Delphic  matron  gave  this  Son, 
That  in  a  foreign  realm  he  might  be  nurtured  s 
He  to  the  temple  of  Apollo  sent. 
Is  here  train'd  up  in  secret.     But  the  Sire, 
Soon  as  he  knew  the  stripling  had  attained 
The  years  of  manhood,  hath  on  you  prevailed 
Hither  to  come,  because  you  had  no  child. 
The  God  indeed  hath  spoken  truth ;   not  so 
Xuthus,  who  from  his  infancy  hath  reai'^d 
The  boy,  and  forg'd  the^  tales;   that,  if  detected, 
His  crimes  might  be  imputed  to  the  God : 
But  coming  hither,  and  by  length  of  time 
Hoping  to  skreen  the  fraud,  he  now  resolves 
He  will  transfer  the  sceptre  to  this  stripling. 
For  whom  at  length  be  forges  the  new  name 
Of  Ion,  to  denote  that  he  went  forth 
And  met  him.    Ah,  how  do  I  ever  hate 
Those  wicked  men  whp  plot  unrighteous  deeds, 
And  then  adorn  them  with  delusive  art  1 
^Rather  would  I  possess  a  virtuous  frien4 
Of  mean  abilities^  than  one  more  wise 


134  ION. 

And  profligate.    Of  all  disastrous  fates 

Yours  is  the  worst,  who  to  your  house  admit 

Its  future  Lord,  whose  Mother  is  uakaown, 

A  youth  selected  from  th'  ignoble  crowd. 

The  base-born  issue  of  some  female  slave. 

Por  this  had  only  been  a  single  ill 

Had  be  persuaded  you,  since  you  are  childless, 

T'  adopt,  and  in  your  palace  lodg'd  the  son 

Of  some  illustrious  dame  r  but  if  to  you 

This  scheme  had  been  disgustful ;  from  the  kindred 

Of  iEoIus  his  sire  should  he  have  sought 

Another  Consort.     Hence  is  it  incumbent 

On  you  to  execute  some  great  revenge 

Worthy  of  woman  ;  with  the  lifted  sword^ 

Or  by  some  stratagem  or  deadly  poison. 

Your  Husband  and  his  offspring  to  dispatch 

Ere  you  by  them  are  murder'd  :  you  will  lose 

Your  life  if  you  delay,  fonwhen  two  foes 

Meet  in  one  house,  some  mischief  must  befall, 

Or  this  or  that.     I  therefore  will  with  you 

Partake  the  danger,  and  with  you  conspire 

To  slay  that  stripling,  entering  the  abode 

Where  for  the  sumptuous  banquet  he  is  making 

Th'  accuslom'd  preparation  ;  while  I  view 

The  Sun,  and  e'en  in  death,  will  I  i^epay 

The  bounty  of  those  Lords  who  nurtur*d  me. 

For  there  is  one  thing  only  which  confers 

Disgrace  on  s}>aves,  the  name ;  in  all  beside 

No  virtuous  slave  to  freeborn  spirits  yields. 

CHORUS. 

I  too,  O  my  dear  Mistress,  am  resolved 
To  be  the  stedfast  partner  of  your  fate. 
And  die  with  gloiy,  or  with  gloiy  live. 

CREU8A. 

How,  O  my  tortur'd  soul,  shall  I  be  silent f 
But  rather  how  these  hidden  loves  disclose  i 
-Shall  I  shake  off  all  shame  ?  for  what  retards 


ION.  135 

My  ferther  progress?  to  how  dire^a  struggle 

Doth  my  beleaguered  virtue  lie  expos'd  i 

Hath  not  my  Lord  betray'd  me  f    For  of  house 

And  children  too  am  I  deprived.    All  hopes 

Are  vanished  now  of  which  I  fondly  sought 

T*  avail  myself,  but  could  not,  by  concealing 

The  loss  of  my  virginity,  those  throes 

Concealing  which  I  ever  must  bewail. 

But  by  the  starry  throne  pf  Jove,  the  Goddess 

Who  haunts  my  rocks,  and  by  the  sacred  banks 

Of  (1 6)  Triton's  lake  whose  waters  never  fail, 

I  my  disgrace  no  longer  will  suppress. 

For  having  cleans'd  my  soul  from  that  pollution, 

I  shall  have  shaken  off  a  load  of  cares. 

My  eyes  drop  tears,  and  sorrow  rends  my  soul, 

Assaird  with  treachery  both  by  men  and  Qod^ 

Whom  I  will  prove  to  have  been  false,  devoid 

Of  gratitude  to  those  they  lov'd.     O  thou, 

(16)  '^  Triton  is  a  lake  in  Africa,  thitmgh  which  fiowis  a  large  Hver 
'^  of  tiie  same  name ;  some  say  that  Minerva  was  the  Daughter  of  N^ 
^  tone  and  this  lake,  but  that  being  severely  chidden  by  her  Father,  che 
"  came  in  wrath  to  Jupiter,  and  was  adopted  by  him.  It  b  reported  Ot 
**  least  that  she  received  the  name  of  Tritonia  from  making  her  first  ap- 
^  pearance  at  this  lake,  of  which  we  meet  witii  the  follcrwiilg  account  fii 
•*  Lncan :  . 

"  Hanc  ut  fama  Deus,  quem  toto  littore  pontus  *  ' 

''  Audit  ventos^  perflantem  murmura  conchy 

'^  Hanc  et  Pallas  amat,  patrio  quae  vertice  nata 

'<  Terrarum  primam  Libyen  (nam  proxima  c«lo  est, 

^  Ut  probat  ipse  calor)  tetigit:  stagni<|ue  qttfttA 

«  Vultus  vidit  aquft,  posuitque  in  margine  plantas, 

<<  Et  se  dilectlL  Tritonida  dixit  ab  undH.**  Barnes, 

^  These  waters  to  the  tuneful  God  are  dear, 

^  Whose  vocal  shell  the  sea-green  Nereids  hear; 

"  These  Pallas  loves,  so  tells  reporting  Fame, 

'<  When  first  from  Heaven  to  Earth  the  Goddess  came, 

^<  (Heaven's  neighbourhood  the  warmer  ctimes  betrays, 

'^  And  speak  the  nearer  Sun's  immediate  rays) 

^  Here  her  first  footsteps  on  the  brink  she  staid, 

"  Here  in  the  watry  gkiss  her  form  sorvey'd, 

'<  ^d  palTd  heKself  from  hence  the  chasttt  Tritonian  mcud." 

KOWE* 


} 


136  ION. 

*  -^  Whose  skilful  hand  attunes  the  sevenfold  chordt 
i».     Of  the  melodious  lyre,  from  lifeless  shells 
^  Eliciting  the  Muses'  sweetest  strains. 
Son  of  Latona^  I  this  day  will  publish 
\  A  tale  to  thee  disgraceful;  for  thou  cara'st. 

Thou  cam'st  resplendent  with  thy  golden  hair. 

As  I  the  crocus  gathered,  in  niy  robe 

Each  vivid  flower  assembling  to  compose 

Garlands  of  fragrance:  thou  my  snowy  wrist 

Didst  seize  and  drag  me  to  the  cave,  with  shrieks 

While  to  my  Mother  for  her  aid  I  cried  : 

Twas  impudently  done,  thou  lustful  God, 

To  gain  the  favour  of  the  Cyprian  Queen. 

In  evil  hour,  to  thee  I  bore  a  Son^ 

Whom,  fearful  of  my  Mother's  wrath,   I  cast 

Into  that  cave,  where  thou  with  wretched  me 

Didst  join  thyself  in  luckless  love.     Alas ! 

Now  is  our  miserable  son  no  more. 

On  him  have  vultures  feasted.     But  meanwhile 

Thy  festive  Paaans  to  the  sounding  harp     . 

Dost  ihou  repeat.     O  offspring  of  Latona, 

To  thee  I  speak,  who  from  thy  golden  tripod 

Dost  in  this  center  of  the  world'dispense 

Thy  oracles.     My  voice  shrill  reach  thy  ears, 

O  thou  false  paramour,  who,  from  my  Lord 

Tho'  thou  no  favours  ever  didst  receive 

A  Son  into  his  mansions  hast  convey'd  :        ' 

Meanwhile  the  piFspring  whom  to  thee  I  bore 

Hath  died  unnoticed,   by  the  vultures  torn ; 

Lost  are  the  bandages  in  which  bis  Mother 

Had  wrapp'd  him.    Thee  thy  Delos  doth  abhor. 

The  branches  of  whose  laurel  rise  to  meet 

The  palm,  and  form  that  shade,  where  thee  her  soq 

With  arms  divide  Latona  first  embracU 

CHORUS. 

Ah  tne !  how  inexhaustible  a  source 
Of  woes  is  opened,  such  as  must  draw  tears 


•^ 


ION.  137 

From  every  eye. 

OU)  MAN. 
O  Daughter,  on  y6ur  face. 

Still  with  unsated  rapture  do  I  gaze. 
My  reason  have  I  lost :  for  while  I  strive 
From  my  o'erburden'd  spirit  to  discharge    . 
The  waves  of  woe,  fresh  torrents  at  the  poop 
Rush  in  and  overwhelm  me,  since  the  words    • 
Which  you  have  utter'd,  from  your  present  ills 
Digressing  to  the  melancholy  track 
Of  other  sufferings.     What  is  it  you  say  i 
What  charge  would  you  allege  against  Apollo? 
What  son  is  this  whom  you  assert  you  bore? 
And  in  what  quarter  of  your  native  city 
To  beasts  did  you  exppse  him  for  a  pveyi 
To  me  repeat  the  tale. 

CREUSA. 

Thou  aged  man. 
Thy  presence  makes  me  blush  :  yet  will  I  speak. 

OLD  MAN. 

Full  well  do  I  know  how  to  sympathize 
With  my  afflicted  friends. 

CREUSA. 

Then  hear  my  tale. 
Thou  must  remember,  on  the  northern  side 
Of  the  Cecropian  rock,   the  cave  call'd  Macra. 

OLD  MAN. 

I  know  it ;  on  that  spot  Pan's  temple  stands,  ^ 
And  near  it  blaze  his  altars. 

CREUSA.  ,    J 

'Twas  the  scene 
Of  my  unhappy  conflict. 

OU>  MAN. 

Say :  what  conflict  ? 
Ypur  history  makes  me  weep. 

CREUSA. 

The  amorous  God 


138  ION. 

Apollo  held  me  rn  a  forc'd  embrace. 

OLD  MAN, 

Was  this,  my  Daughter,  then,  what  I  perceiv'd  i 

CKEUSA. 

I  know  not ;  but  will  openly  declare 
The  truth,  if  thy  conjectures  light  on  it. 

OLD  MAN. 

When  you  in  silence  wail*d  some  hidden  woe  i 

CREUSA. 

Those  evils  happened  then  which  I  to  thee 
Without  disguise  reveal. 

OLD   MAN. 

But  by  what  means         v 
Your  union  with  Apollo  did  you  hide  ? 

CREUSA. 

I  bore  a  Son  -—  with  patience  hear  me  speak, 
O  venerable  man. 

OLD  MAN. 

Where  ?  who  performed 
Th*  obstetric  part  f   did  you  alone  endure 
The  grievous  throes  of  childbirth  ?        \ 

CREUSA. 

All  alone 
Within  tBat  cave  where  I  my  honour  lost. 

OLD   MAN. 

But  where*s  the  boy,  that  in  this  childless  state 
Thou  may*st  remain  no  longer  ? 

CREUSA. 

He  is  dead^ 
Old  man,  to  beasts  was  he  expos'd. 

OLD    MAN. 

How!  dead  I 
Was  Phcebus  then  so  base  as  not  to  aid  you  i 

CREUSA. 

No  aid  he  gave :  but  in  the  dreary  house 
Of  Pittto  is  eur  h^tplei^  offspring  nurtur'd. 


.  ION.  iss 

OIJ>  MAK« 

But  who  expQB'd  him  i  sure  it  was  not  yoa  i 

CRmiSA. 

I  in  the  midnight  gloom  around  him  wrapp'd 
A  mantle.  ' 

OLD  MAN. 

To  th'  exposure  of  your  Son 
Was  no  man  privy  ? 

CREUSA. 
I  had  no  accomplice 
But  Secrecy  with  evil  Fortune  leagued. 

OLD  MAK 
And  how  could  you  endure  to  leave  the  child 
Within  that  cavern  i 

CREUSA. 

How  i  these  lips  did  utter 
Full  many  piteous  words. 

OLD  MAN. 

The  cruelty  ^ 
Which  you  here  show'd  was  dreadful !  but  the  God 
Than  you  was  still  more  cruel. 

CREUSA. 

-   Had  you  seen 
The  child  stretch  forth  his  suppliant  hands  to  me— 

OLD    MAN. 

Sought  he  the  fostering  breast,  or  to  recline 
In  your  maternal  arms?         ..  i 

CREUSA. 

Hence  torn  he  suffered 
From  me  foul  wrong. 

OLD  MAN. 

But  whence  could  such  a  thought 
Enter  your  soul  as  to  expose  your  Son? 

CRfiVSA. 
Because  I  hop*d  Apollo  who  begot. 
Would  save  him. 


140  ION. 

OLD    MAN. 

Ahy  what  storms  hate  over whdm'd 
The  fortunes  of  your  house ! 

CREUSA. 

Why,  covering  i^p 
Thy  head,  thus  weep'st  thou,  O  thou  aged  man?, 

OLD  ]MfAN. 

Because  I  see  you  and  your  Father  wretched. 

CREUSA. 
Such  is  the  doom  of  frail  mortality : 
Nought  rests  in  the  same  state. 

OLD  MAN. 

But  let  us  dwell 
No  more,  O  Daughter,  on  the  piteous  theme. 

CREUSA. 

What  must  I  do  ?  the  wretched  can  devise 
No  wholesome  counsel. 

OLD  MAN. 

On  the  God  who  wrong''d  you 
First  wreak  your  vengeance. 

CREUSA. 

How  can  I  a  mortal 

O'ercome  the  potent  Deities? 

OLD  MAN. 

Set  fire 
To  Phoabus'  aweful  temple. 

CREUSA. 

Fear  restrains  me. 
And  I  endure  sufficient  woes  already. 

OLD  MAN. 

Dare  then  to  do  what's  feasible,  to  kill 
Your  Husband. 

CREUSA. 
I  revere  the  nuptial  bed. 
For  when  I  first  espous'd  the  noble  Xuthus, 
My  Lord  was  virtuous. 


ION.  Ul 

OLD  MAN. 

Slay  at  least  this  boy 
Who  is  produced  your  interest  to  oppose. 

CREUSA. 

Ah,  by  what  means?  how  greatly  should  I  wish 
This  done,  if  it  were  possible. 

OLD  MAN. 

By  arming 
With  swords  your  followers. 

CREUSA.  \ 

I  will  go :  but  where 
Shall  this  be  executed? 

OLD  MAN. 

In  the  tent 
Where  with  a  banquet  he  regales  his  friends. 

CREUSA. 

This  were  a  public  outrage,  aud  my  band 
Of  followers  is  but  weak. 

OLD  MAN. 

Alas  I  your  courage 
Deserts  you  :  forge  yourself  some  better  scheme. 

CREUSA. 

I  too  have  schemes  both  subtle  and  effective. 

OLD  MAN. 

In  both  will  I  assist  you. 

^  CREUSA.  /| 

Hear  me  then : 
Full  well  thou  know'st  the  history  of  that  war 
Wag'd  by  Earth's  brood. 

OLD    MAN. 

Against  the  Gods  I  know 
The  Giants  fought  on  the  Phlsegrean  plain. 

CREUSA. 

There  Earth  prodac'd  the  Gorgon,  dreadful  monster. 

OLD   MAN. 

To  aid  her  sons  in  battle,  and  contend 
With  the  immortal  Poweri;. 


1«.  ION. 

CREU8A. 

E'en  80y  and  Pallas 

Daughter  of  Jave>  the  Turgio  Goddess^  slew 

This  prodigy. 

dLD  MAN. 

But  by  what  horrid  form 
Was  it  distinguish'd  ? 

CREUSA. 

Hissing  serpents  twin'd 
Around  its  chest. 

OL^  MAN. 

Is  this  the  tale  I  heard 
In  days  of  yore  ? 

CRBUSA. 

That  Pallas  \i<«ars  its  hide 
To  guard  her  bosom, 

OLD  MAN. 
Which  they  call  the  Mghj 
The  garment  of  Minerva, 

CREUSA. 

It  obtained 
This  name,  amidst  the  combatof  the  Gods 
When  she  advanc'd. 

OLD  MAN. 
But  how  can  this,  O  Daughter^ 
Destroy  your  foes  ?  '  ' 

CREtrSA. 

Old  man,  art  thou  aicquainted 
With  Ericthonius,  or  an  utter  stranger 
To  his  whole  history  ? 

OLD    MAN. 

Him  whom  Earth  brought  forth. 
The  founder  of  your  race. 

CI^USA. 

Minerva^gave 
To  him  when  newly  born  — 


IQN.  143 

OLD  HAN. 

Gave  what  ?  you  dpeak 

With  heisitation* 

CREUSA. 

Of  the  GorgoDL^s  blood 
Two  drops* 

OLD  MAN. 

^  On  mortals  what  effect  have  these? 

CREUSA. 

The  one  produces  death,  the  other  heals 
Each  malady. 

OLD  MAN. 

In  what  were  they  containM  ? 
Did  Pallas  to  the  body  of  the  child 
Affix  them  ? 

GREUSA. 

To  his  golden  bandages : 
He  gaye  them  to  my  Sire. 

OLD    MAN. 

But  when  he  die8; 
Did  they  d^olve  to  you ! 

CREUSA. 

To  me  they  came, 
And  them  e'en  now  around  my  wrists  I  wear. 

OLD  MAN. 

But  of  what  wondrous  qualities,  O  say, 
Consists  this  twofold  present  of  the  Goddess  ? 

CREUSA. 

That  blood  which  issued  from  the  monster's  vein. 

OLD  MAN. 

What  is  the  use  of  this  ?   and  with  what  virtues 
Is  it  endued  i 

CREUSA. 

Diseases  it  repels,. 
And  nourishes  m^n's  life. 

OLD   MAN*  ^ 

But  what  effect 


1«.  ION. 

CREUSA. 

E'en  8O9  and  Pallas 
Daughter  of  Jave>  the  Turgio  Goddess^  slew 
This  prodigy. 

6ld  man. 
But  by  what  horrid  form 
Was  it  distinguished  ? 

CREUSA. 

Hissing  serpents  twin'd 
Around  its  chest. 

OL^  MAN. 

Is  this  the  tale  I  heard 
In  days  of  yore  f 

CRBUSA. 

That  Pallas  \i'ears  its  hide 
To  guard  her  bosom, 

OU>  MAN. 
Which  they  call  the  Mghj 
The  garment  of  Minerva. 

CREUSA. 
It  obtained 
This  name,  amidst  the  combatof  the  Gods 
When  she  advanc'd. 

OLD  MAN. 
But  how  can  this,  O  Daughter, 
Destroy  your  foes  i 

CREUSA. 
Old  man,  art  thou  acquainted 
With  Ericthonius,  or  an  utter  stranger 
To  his  whole  history  ? 

OLD    MAN. 

Him  whom  Earth  brought  forth. 
The  founder  of  your  race. 

CREUSA. 

Minervagave 
To  him  when  newly  born  — 


^, 


With  hesitation. 


ION.  143 

OLD  MAN. 

Gave  what  ?  you  dpeak 


CREUSA. 

Of  the  Gorgon^s  hlood 
Two  drops* 

OLD  MAN. 

/  On  mortals  what  effect  have  these  i 

CREUSA, 

The  one  produces  death,  the  other  heals 
Each  malady. 

OLD  MAN. 

In  what  were  they  containM  ? 
Did  Pallas  to  the  body  of  the  child 
Affix  them  ? 

CREUSA. 

To  his  golden  bandages : 
He  gaye  them  to  ray  Sire. 

OLD   MAN. 

But  when  he  die8; 
Did  they  d^olve  to  you ! 

CREUSA. 

To  me  they  came,        .       • 
And  them  e'en  now  around  my  wrists  I  wear. 

OLD  MAN. 
But  of  what  wondyous  qualities,  O  say, 
Consists  this  twofold  present  of  the  Goddess  ? 

CREUSA. 

That  blood  which  issued  from  the  monster's  vein. 

OLD  MAN. 

What  is  the  u^e  of  this  ?  and  with  what  virtues 
Is  it  endued  i 

CREUSA. 

Diseases  it  repels. 
And  nourishes  man's  life. 

OLD    MAN* 

But  what  effect 


144  ION.  I 

Arises  from  the  second  drop  you  speak  of? 

CREUSA.  .,' 

Inevitable  death;  for  'tis  the  venom 
Of  serpents  which  around  the  Gorgon  twine. 

OLD  MAN. 

These  drops  together  mingled,  do  you  brings 

Or  separate  I 

CREUSA. 
Separate.     For  with  evil,  good    ' 
Ought  not  to  be  confounded. 

OLD  MAN. 

You  possess. 
My  dearest  Daughter,  all  that  yon  can  need. 

CRETJSA. 

By  this  the  boy  must  die :   but  to  dipatch  him 
Shall  be  your  office. 

OLD  MAN, 

Where  and  by  what  meansr 
Can  I  dispatch  him  ?  it  is  yoors  to  speak. 
But  mine  to  execute. 

CREUSA. 

When  at  my  house 
In  Athens  he  arrives. 

OLD   MAN. 
In  this  you  speak     ^ 
Unwisely;  for  you  treat  with  scorn  my  counsels. 

CREUSA. 

What  mean'st  thou  ?  has  thou  formed  the  same  suspicions 
Which  have  just  entered  my  misgiving  souH 

OLD    MAN. 

Although  this  boy  you  slay  not,  you  will  seem 
To  have  contriv'd  his  death. 

CREUSA. 

'Tis  well  observ'd  i 
For  every  tongue  asserts  that  stepdames  envy 
Their  Husband's  children. 


* 


K)N.  145 

OLD    MAN. 

'       Kill  him  therefore  here^ 
You  then  will  be  enabled  to  deny 
That  by  your  means  he  peiish'd. 

^  CREUSA. 

Ere  it  comes^ 
I  that  blest  hour  anticipate. 

OLD    MAN. 

Your  Husband 
Will  you  deceive  e'en  in  that  very  point 
In  which  he  strives  t*  o'erreaoh  you. 

CREU^A. 

Know'st  thou  then 
How  to  proceed  ?    This  antient  golden  vase 
Wrought  by  Minerva^  at  my  hand  receiving,  * 
Go  vfhere  my  Lord  in  secret  offers  up 
His  victims ;  when  the  banquet  is  concluded. 
And  they  prepare  to  pour  forth  to  the  Gods 
The  rich  libation,  by  thy  robe  conceard 
Infuse  into  the  goblet  of  the  youth 
Its  venomous  contents  ;  for  him  alone. 
Who  in  my  house  hereafter  hopes  to  reign,    ' 
A  separate  draught,  but  not  design'd  for  all. 
Should  he  once  swallow  this,  he  ne'er  will  leach 
The  fam'd  Athenian. gates,  but  here  remain 
A  breathless  corse. 

OLD    MAN. 

This  mapsioq,  for  the  purpose 
Of  public  hospitality  deiiign'd. 
Now  enter:  I  meanwhile  will  execute 
The  business  I'm  eraploy'd  in.    Aged  feet. 
Grow  young  again  by  action,  tho'  past  time 
Can  n.e'ej;be:measur'd  back  :  attend,  my  Queen, 
Bear  me  to  him  I  bate,  aid  me  to  slay 
And  drag  him  forth  from  the  polluted  temple ! 
For  in  their  prosperous  fortunes  men  are  bound 

VOL.  ill.  L 


♦  \ 


V 


146  fbltf. 

To  be  religious  :  but  n6  law  obstructs 

His  progress,  who  resolves  to  smite  his  foes. 

[Extunt  CRETJSA  and  'old  'm'an. 

CHORUS. 

ODE. 
I.  1. 

(17)  O  Trivia,  Ceres'  Daughter,  who  presid^st 

O'er  the  nocturnal  passenger^ 
And  him  by  day  who  travels :   if  thou  guid'st 
,     Th'  envenom'd  cup,  it  shall  not  err 

Before  it  reach  the  destined  lip 
Of  him  to  whom  my  venerable'Queea 

Sends  the  Gorgon's  Wood  to  sip, 
Who  treacherously  intruding  would  debase 

Her  Ancestor*'  imperial  race. 
No  alien's  brood  tnr  Athens  shall  be  seen ; 
The  city  where  Erectheus  filFd  the  throne 
Shall  still  be  ruFd  by  his  p66terity  alone.  ^ 

'I.  -2.  ■ 
But  if  in  vain  to  slaythefoeshe  trifes. 

Should  fonune  too  desert  my  Queen, 
And  ho()e  Which  now  pVomotes  the  bold  em{r^}i»; 

The  biting  falchidn's  edgel  ween^ 

(17)  ^*  The  Deity,  here  invoked  by  the  Choros  tinder  the  appellatioil 
''  of  EnolM,  is  Pi-b^^rplne  or  Hecate :  the  siime  epithet  again  occnre  in 
*'  the  Helena  of  our  Poet,  and  js  also  used  by  Sophocles,  in  his  Anti- 
'^  gone :  it  implies  the  Patroness  of  pvbfic  ways,  and  is  synonimons  with 
''  the  Roman  Trivia :  thus,  according  to  this  idea,  Virgil  addresses.the 
^'  infernal  Hecate : 

''  Noctumisque  Hecate  triviis'uliilata  per'ilirbes. 

^*  Hear,  thoa  dire  Hecsttfi !'  fironi  hell  proftUnd, 

<'  Wliose  rites  nocturnal  thro'  the  streets  lesoiind.''  Pitt. 

<'  As  she.  presided  over  poison,  ii^hich  the  Tutor  was  now  pn^aring  for 
''  Ion,  Barnes  remarks  the  propriety  of  this  addreqa  of  the  female 
"  Chorus."    Mr.  Jodrell. 


ION.  147 

Or,  twin*d  around  her  peck,  the  noose. 
Will  finish  these  accupaul^t^. woes.  . 

Then  the, flirting  spirit,  lopse 
From  earthly  gytes,  in  other  forms  shall  live. 

Fpr  she  will  never  tamely  give 
Consent,  that  he,  to  foreign  realms^who  oyv:es 
His  birth,  shall  ^eize.the  palace  of  ^h^r  3ir^s : 
Hence  frpm  h^f  vivid  eyes  thick  flash  indignant  fires. 

IL  1. 

Shame  for  (18)  diat  injaPd  God  I  feel 
To  whom  the  Muse  awakes  her  varied  strain^ 

Intruding  with  officious  zeal. 

Around  Callichore's  fam'd  spring. 
On  the  moon's  twentieth  eve,  should  he  profan^ 
The  kindled  torches,  and  his  tribute  bring, 
A  sleepless  votary,  mingling  with  his  train. 

When-  in  the  dance  the  starry  sky 
Of  Jove,  with  the  resplendent  moon,  unites. 

And  fifty  maids,  the  progeny 
Of  Nereus,  sport  midst  ocean's  rapid  tide. 

Or  where  exhanstless  rivers  glide. 
To  Proserpine  and  Ceres*  mystic  rites 
Yielding  due  homage :   from  the  Delphic  fane. 

Yet  there  this  vagrant  hopes  to  reign. 
And  satiate  his  rapacious  soul's  desire 

With  wealth,  which  others'  toils  acquire. 

n.  2. 

Ye  Bards  who  crowd  each  hostile  page 
With  tales  of  wives  beguil'd  by  lawless  love, 

(18)  Brodbensy  Barnes,  Cai;me]liy  Dr.  Mnqgrsfe,  aod  Mr.  JcfdrdI, 
UDanimoiisly  cfmcnr  m  thinking  that  Baccbra  is  here  meant,  and  8iqi|iert 
their  opinions  by  observing  Uat  Homer  gives  him  the  same  epitiie^ 
n«»M7pVy  aad  that  he  was  wonfaipped  jointly  with  Ceres  in  the  Elensi> 
man  mysleries,  partkofau-fy  is  the  fitttivd^  called  a  few^^^ 
hdd  on  the  twmtiM  of  each  moon,  and  cdebmted  with  extraoidinaiy 
pomp  on  the  twentieth  of  Angnst  Heath  abmptly  contradicts  the  rest 
Hi  the  commentators,  saying^  that  the  poet  here  means  A|m>Oo^  andnot 
Bacchus,  but  aysigBs  voaa^sfiictofyfeasQDforsnchcoojectBre. 


148 


ION. 


,And  war  with  feeble  womaa  wage, 
View  with  impartial  eye  our  deeds. 
And  listen  for  a  moment  while  I  prove 
How  greatly  female  chastity  exceeds 
Man,  whom  unbridled  passions  prompt  to  rove* 

Oft  have  rude  songs  profan'd  our  name. 
Now  let  the  Muse  man's  haughty  sex  assail; 

And  publish  deeds  teplcte  with  shame, 
For  he  who  from  Jove's  sons  derives  his  birth, 

Is  void  of  gratitude  and  worth. 
Nought  could  the  throne  his  Consort  gave,  avait 
To  make  the  nuptial  bed  his  scene  of  joy  : 

He  hath  obtain'd  this  spurious  boy, 
By  the  seducing  wiles  of  Venus  led 

To  some  ignoble  damsel's  bed. 

SERVANT,  CHORUS. 

SERVANT. 
Where,  O  ye  noble  matrons,  shall  I  find 
My  Queen,  Erectheus'  Daughter  i   for  in  quest 
Of  her  thro*  the  whole  city  have  I  rang'd. 
But  cannot  meet  with  her. 

CHORUS. 

O  thou  who  tend'st 
On  the  same  lords  with  me,  what  fresh  event 
Hath  happened  ?  wherefore  mov'stthou  with  such  speed? 
And  what  important  tidings  dost  thou  bring  ? 

SERVANT. 
We  are  pursued  :  the  rulers  of  this  land 
Search  after  her,  resolv'd  that  she  shall  die, 
Thrown  headlong  from  the  rock. 

CHORUS. . 

Ah  me !  what  say'st  thou  i 
Could  we  not  then  conceal  our  scheme  of  slaying 
The  boy  ? 

SERVANT. 

We  are  detected^  and  her  danger; 


ION.  14y 

Is  now  most  imminent. 

CHORUS. 

But  by  what  means 
Were  these  our  hidden  stratagems  brought  forth 
To  public  view  f 

SERVANT. 

The  God  hath  found  injustice 
Too  weak  to  cope  with  justice,  nor  allows 
His  shrine  to  be  polluted. 

CHORUS, 

I  entreat  thee 
Say  how  this  happen'd :  for  when  we  have  heard 
Whether  our  doom  be  death,  we  shall  die  gladly. 
Or  if  we  live,  with  pleasure  view  the  8un» 

SERVANT. 

When  from  the  God's  oracular  abode 
With  his  new  son  Creusa's  husband  went 
To  hold  a  feast,  and  for  th'  immortal  Powers 
PreparM  oblations ;  Xothus  sought  the  hill 
WhenceBacchus*flamesburstforth,thathemightsprinkl^ 

Parnassus'  cloven  summit  with  the  b{ood 

Of  slaughtered  victims :  celebrating  thus 

The  blest  discovery  of  his  long-lost  son. 

Whom  thus  the  Sire  accosted  ;  '*  Here  remain^ 

*'  And  bid  the  builders  labour  to  erect 

'^  Such  tent  as  shall  inclose  an  ample  space 

'*  On  every  side :  but  when  I  to  those  Gods 

''  Who  bless  the  natal  hour  have  sacrificed, 

"  If  I  stay  long,  before  thy  friends  who  here 

"  Are  present,  place  the  genial  feast."    Then  taking 

The  heifers,  be  departed.     But  the  Youth 

Attentive  to  his  pious  task,  on  columns 

Erected  the  light  roof,  to  which  no  walls 

Lent  their  support ;  he  guarded  it  with  care, 

Both  from  the  flaming  sun's  meridian  rays. 

And  from  the  western  aspect;  then  the  sides 

An  acre  each  in  length  did  he  extend^ 


f\ 


150  ION. 

With  equal  angles ;  in  the  central  space 
Was  there  an  area,  each  of  the  four  sides 
Its  length  extended  to  six  hundred  feet, 
A  perfect  square,  which  skilful  artists  say 
Was  calculated  well  to  entertain 
All  Delphi  at  the  feast:  the  sacred  tapestry- 
Then  taking  from  the  treasures  of  the  God, 
He  cover'd  o'er  the  whole,  a  wondrous  sight 
To  all  beholders  :  first  he  o*er  the  roof 
Threw  robes,  which  Hercules,  the  son  of  Jove, 
To  Phoebus  at  his  temple  brought,  the  spoils 
Of  vanquished  Amazons,  a  votive  gift. 
On  which  these  pictures  by  the  loom  were  wrought; 
Heaven  in  its  vast  circumference  all  the  stars 
Assembling ;   there  his  coursers  too  the  Sun 
Impetuous  drove,  till  ceas*d  his  waning  flame. 
And  with  him  drew  in  his  resplendent  train. 
Vesper's  clear  light ;  but  clad  in  sable  garb 
Night  hasten'd  onward  with  her  chariot  drawn 
By  steeds  unyok'd  ;  the  stars  accompanied 
Their  Goddess ;   thro'  mid  air  the  Pleiades, 
And  with  his  falchion  arm'd  Orion  mov'd ; 
But  plac'd  on  high,  around  the  northern  pole 
The  Bear  in  an  averted  posture  turn'd ; 
Then  full-orb 'd  Cynthia,  who  the  months  divides. 
Darted  her  splendor  from  the  realms  above ; 
Next  came  the  Hyades,  a  sign  well  known 
To  sailors,   and  Aurora's  dawning  light 
The  stars  dispelling.    But  the  sides  he  cover'd 
With  yet  more  tapestry,  the  Barbaric  fleet 
(10)  To  that  of  Greece  oppos'd,  was  there  displayed  ; 

(19)  Baraes*8  ingenious  conjecture,  tbat  the  victory  of  th6  Athenians 
over  the  fleet  of  Xerxes,  in  the  sea-fight  at  Salamis,  which  happened  oo 
the  day  when  Euripides  was  born,  is  here  alluded  to,  has  been  adopted 
by  Mr.  Heath  and  Dr.  Musgrave,  but  is  objected  to  by  Mr.  Jodrell, 
who  thinlf  8  the  anachronism  too  great  to  have  been  tolerated  by  an  Athe- 
nian audieace^  and  is  for  either  referring  it   to  the  Ai^gOnaotlc  ez^. 


ION.  15  \ 

•    \ 

Follaw'd  a  monstrous  brood,  half  horse,  half  man. 

The  Thracian  monarch':^  furious  steeds  subdu*d> 

And  lion  of  Nemaha ;  f^^  the  gate 

Close  to  his  Daughters  Cecrops  rolIM  along 

On  scaly  folds ;   this  was  a  votive  gift 

From  some  Athenian  citizen  unkpown. 

He  in  the  ceK|ter  of  the  festive  bpard 

Plac'd  golden  cup^.    An  aged  Herald  went 

On  tiptoe,  and  each  citizen  of  Delphi 

Inrited  to  attend  the  sumptuous  fea^t. 

They,  crown'd  with  garlands,  when  the  tent  was  fill'd, 

Indulged  t^eir  genius :  after  the  delight 

Of  the  repast  was  o'er,  an  aged  man 

Into  the  midst  advancing,  took  his  standi| 

And  from  the  guests  by  his  officious  zeal 

pedition,  or  considering  it  as  a  mere  poetical  image,  miconnected  nviUi 
asy  bistorica]  event.    The  anachronbms  of  Euripides,  particularly  in 
the  Thigedy  before  n^  are  so  frequent,  that  any  attempt  to  reduce  the 
figares  on  the  tape^ry  to  the  smallest  degree  of  uniformity  must  imme- 
diitely  fall  to  tibe  ip'omsd:  Hercules,  who  is  said  to  have  presented  it, 
lived  (as  I  have  already  menUoned)  near  two  hundred  years  after  Ion* 
By  the  very  next  linee  aref  universally  understood  the  Centaurs,  Dio- 
medes*  savage  horses,  Ibe  braacihfooted  Stag  and  Nemean  Uon,  subdued 
or  caught  by  him ;  then  follows  a  piece  of  real  antiquity,  Uie  tram- 
formation  of  Cecrops  the  first  king  of  Athens,  the  present  of  some  un- 
known Citizen.    On  the  modem  stage  we  daily  see  that  the  mention  of 
any  recent  and  ^orious  evieut,  however  unseasonably  introduced,  hardly 
ever  fails  to  extort  ihe  loudest  peals  of  iq)piause.    Alhisious  to  circum- 
stances  UtUe  ^nowi),  and.i^hich  neither  accord  with  vulgar  tradition,  nor 
the  Poet's  ovm  language  in  other  parts  of  his  writings,  such  as  the  Argo- 
nauts having  equipped  z.  fleet  instead  of  a  single  ship,  require  to  be  marked 
cot  with  a  much  greater  degree  of  minuteness  than  is  here  done ,  and  the 
Tague  picture  of  a  sea-fight,  without  any  precise  meaning,  would  disgrace 
the  rest  of  its  accpmpaniraeDts  in  the  Delphic  tent.    The  very  curcum- 
stance  objected  to  by  Mr.  JodreU,  that  some  of  the  spectators  of  this 
play  at  Athens  had  probably  fought  at  Salamis,  appears  to  me  to  give 
additional  strength  to  Barnes's  conjecture,  by  sliewing  .that  it  n^ight  have 
been  deemed  indelicate  for  ^e  Author  to  baye  added  any  thing  more 
than  a  bare  mention  of  the  fleets  of  Greeks  and  Barbarians  being  op* 
posed  to  eacii  oilier,  when  his  actors  were  addressing  an  audience,  who 
could  11-^  fsm  retire  ^  that  passed  before  their  eyes  in  that  decisive 
battie. 


152  ION. 

Provok'd  abundant  laughter  (20)  :  from  huge  uras 

He  pour'd  the  water  forth  to  lave  their  hands. 

And  scatter'd  all  around  from  blazing  myrrh 

A  rich  perfume,  over  the  golden  cups 

Presiding,  and  assuming  to  himself 

That  office.     But  at  length,  when  the  shrill  pipe 

Utter'd  its  notes  harmonious,  and  the  wine 

Again  went  round,  the  jovial  veteran  cried  ; 

"  These  smaller  cups  remove,  and  in  their  stead 

*'  Large  goblets  bring,  that  all  may  cheer  their  souls 

"  More  expeditiously :"   then  toilM  the  servants 

Beneath  the  silver  vessels  which  they  bore. 

And  golden  beakers  by  the  sculptor  wrought: 

But  he  selec^g  one  of  choicest  mold. 

As  if  he  only  meant  to  shew  respect 

To  his  young  Lord^  presented  it  fill'd  high 

Up  to  the  brim,  infusing  midst  the  wine 

A  deadly  poison,  which  'tis  said  his  Queen 

Gave  him,  that  the  new  offspring  of  her  Lotd 

Might  perish,  but  without  its  being  known 

To  any  man  what  caus'd  the  stripling's  death. 

While  he,  whom  Xuthus  has  declar'd  his  son. 

Surrounded  by  his  comrades,  in  his  hands 

Held  the  libation,  some  reproachful  \yord 

Was  utter'd  by  a  servant,  which  the  Youth, 

Who  had  received  his  nurture  in  the  fane 

And  midst  experienc'd  prophets,  thought  an  omen 

Most  unpropitious,  and  another  goblet 

Commanded  to  be  fill'd :  but,  on  the  ground, 

As  a  libation  to  the  Delphic  God 

Pour'd  forth  the  first,  and  bade  his  comrades  follow 

Th'  example  which  he  gave,    A  general  silence 

(20)  **  Becstnse  such  office  belonged  to  boys,  and  not  men  advanced 
"  in  years.  Athensus  in  the  tenth  book  of  his  Deipnosdpfauts  observes, 
**  that  among  the  antients  it  vms  customary  for  boys  of  the  noblest  fami- 
"  lies  to  pom*  out  the  wine ;  and  Cicero,  in  his  oratiofn  against  Piflo,  says, 
<<  iilthy  slaves  wait,  even  some  old  men."    BRoOiSUs. 


Succeeded  :  we  the  holy  goblets  fill-d  '      ' 

With  water  and  with  Bibiiaiv  wine  :  while  thus 

We  were  emploj^'d,  there  flew  into  the  tent 

A  flock  of  doves,  (for  they  beneath  the  roof 

Of  Phoebus  dwell  secure  :)  but  of  the  wine 

Wlien  they  had  tasted,  after  they  had  dippM 

Their  beaks  which  thirsted  for  the  luspious  draught, 

And  the  rich  beverage  down  their  feathered  throaty 

QuafTd  eagerly,  innoxious  did  it  prove 

To  all  beside,  but  she,  .who  on  the  spot 

Had  settled  where  the  new-^discover'd  stripling 

Pour'd  his  libation  down,  no  sooner  tasted 

The  liq^uor,  than  she^hook  her  wings,  cried  out 

With  a  shrill  plaintive  voice,  and  groaning,  uttered 

Notes  unintelligible.     Every  guest 

The  struggles  of  the  dove  amaz'd  ;  she  died 

Torn  with  convufeions,  and  her  purple  feet 

Now  loos'd  their  hold,     fiat  at  the  social  board. 

He  whom  the  oracle  declared  the  son 

Of  Xuthus,  rent  bis  garments,  bar'd  bis  breast, 

And  cried,  '*  what  mis€i!ean  t' strove  to  slay  me?  speak^ 

*^  Old  man,  for  this  offidious  zeal  was  thine, 

"  And  from  thy  hand  the  goblet  I  received." 

Then  with  impetuous  grasp  his  ag^d  arm 

He  caught,  and  question'd  him^  that  in  the  fact  * 

Of  bearing  venom'd  drugs  he  might  detect  him; 

Hence  was  the  truth  laid  open :  thro'  conistraint. 

At  length  did  he  reluctantly  declare 

Creusa's  guilt,  and  how  her  art  coiitriv'd 

The  scheme  of  ministring  th'  envenomed  draught. 

Forth  from  the  banquet  with  l^is  comrades  rush'd 

The  youth,  v^hom  Phoebus'*  orackfe  proaounc'd 

To  be  the  son  of  Xuthus;   standing  up 

Among  the  Pythian  nobles,  thus  he  spoke; 

'*  O  sacred  land,  the  Daughter  of  Erecthea«, 

''  A  foreign  ^dame,  would  take  away*  ray  life  ^ 

^'  By  poison."    Delphi's  rulers  have  decreed 


154  ION- 

My  Queen  shall  be  thrown  headlong  from  the  rock. 
Nor  hath  one  single  voice,  hut  the  con^e^l 
Of  all,  adjudg'd  her  death,  because  she  strove 
E'en  in  the  temple  to  have  slain  the  Priest* 
Pursu'd  by  the  whole  city,  hither  bend 
Her  inauspicious  steps.    .  She  thro',  a  wi^h     , 
For  children  to  Apollo  came  2  but  now 
She  perishes  with  all  her  hopM-for  race. 

[£iri<  SBRVANT, 
CHORtJS. 

No  means  aire  left  for  wretched  me 

The  ruthless  hand  of  death  to  'scpipfe ; 
For  all  too  plainly  see, 
Mixt  with  the  purple  juices  of  the  grape. 

The  baleful  drops  of  viper's  blood  : 
Tis  manifest  what  victims  were  dcsign'd 

To  cross  the  dreary  Stygian  flood. 

My  life  is  doom'd  to  close,  in  woe. 
At  me  huge  rocky  fragments  will  they  throw. 
How,  O  my  royal  Mistress,  shall  I  find 

Pinions  to  speed  my  rapid  flight  ? 
How  shall  I  penetrate  earth's  inmost  womb, 
Atid  in  the  realms  of  night 

Avoid  this  miserable  doom ; 
Avoid  the  stones  which  vengeance  burls  around, 

When.at  our  heads  she  aims  the  wound? 

.Shall  I  the  fleetest  steed  ascend. 
Or  the  tall  prow  which  cleaves  the  billowy  main? 

No  art  can  hide  so  foul  a  stain. 
Unless  soibe  God  his  sheltering  aid  extend. 
.  How  iBorely,  O  xny  wretched  Queen, 

Will  thy  tortur'd  spirit  grieve! 

And  shalLnot  we,  who  have  been  seen 

Striving  to  work  another's  bane, 

T}>e  wbes  we  would  inflict,  receive, 
As  justice  doth  ordain  ? 


CREUSA,  CHORUS. 

CREUSA. 

My  faithful  followers;  they  pursue  my  ffight^ 
Resolv'd  to  slay  me ;  by  the  public  vote 
Of  all  the  Pythinn  citizens^  condemned, 
I  shay  be  yielded  tip. 

;         cHoftts. 

We  are  no- strangers 
To  thy  calamities ;  ma/st  thou  63cape, 
Favoured  by  fortune  f 

ci^EtrsA. 

Whither  shall  I  fly? 
These  feet  werfe  hdrdfy  swift  enough  €  outstrip 
Impending  death  :  but  fVom  my  fot^s  escaped. 
By  stealth  I  cbme. 

ckoRUdb 

Whdt  shelter  camst  thou  need 
More  than  th^^e'  filtai^s  furnish  ?  ' 

tR£USA. 

How  can  they 
Avail  me? 

CHORUS. 

•Tis  unlawful  to  destroy 
The  suppliant* 

CREUSA. 

fiut  the  law  hath  sentenced  me 
To  perish.  . 

CHORUS. 

Hadst  tiNm  by^  their  hands  been  caught. 

CREtJSA. 
But  the  relentless  ojiinisters  of  vengeance, 
Atm'd  with  drawn  swords,  baste  hither. 

CHORUS. 

Take  thy  seat 
Close  to  the  altar,  for  if  there  thou  die. 
Thy  blood  will  on  thy  murderers  fix  a  stain 


156  ION. 

That  ne'er  can  be  effac'd.    Bat  we  with  patience 
Are  bound  to  suffer  what  the  fates  Inflict. 

XON,  CREUSA,  CHORUS. 

ION, 

Cephisus^  O  thou  aweful  (21)  Sire,  who  bear's! 
The  semblance  of  a  Bull^  what  viper's  this 
Thou  hast  begotten,  or  what  dragon  darting 
Flames  most  consuming  from  her  murderous  eyes! 
She  with  unbounded  boldness  is  endued, 
And  pestilent  as  those  envenom'd  drops 
Of  Gorgon's  blood  with  which  she  sought  to  kill  me. 
Seize  her ;  Parnassus'  rocks  shall  tear  away 
The  graceful  ringlets  of  her  streaming  hair, 
When  headlong  from  its  summit  she  is  thrown. 
Me  hath  propitious  fortune  here  detain'd. 
Else  to  th'  Athenian  city  had  I  gone> 
And  fallen  into  a  cruel  step-dame's  snares. 
But  while  I  yet  among  my  friepds  remain. 
Thy  heart  have  I  explored,  how  great  a  pest, 
And  foe  thou  art  to  me,  for  at  thy  doors 
Hadst  thou  receiv'd  me,   thou  to  Pluto's  realm 
Would'st  instantly  have  hufrd  me  down.    (22)  Behold 
The  sorceress,  wh^t  a  complicated  scene 
Of  treachery  hath  she  fram'd,  yet  trembles  not 
The  altar  of  Apollo  to  approach. 
As  if  Heaven's  vengeance  could  not  reach  her  crimes. 

(SI)  *'  Cephisus  was  father  of  Diogensea,  who  married  Pfarasimvs,  to 
^  whom  she  bore  Praxitheathewifeof  Erectheiis,and  mother  of  Crensa. 
^  The  Q^phiBus  here  spoken  pf  was  an  Atfafenien  river ;  tii^  reader  will 
"  find  others  of  the  same  name  in  any  of  the  antient  geographers." 
Barnes  proceeds  to  assign  several  reasons  for  Rivers  being  frequently 
said  by  tiie  poets  to  resemble  Bulls^  from  Ifae  bellowing  sound  of  their 
currents,  their  furrowing  up  the  ground,  or  fmm  the  tittle  hinmtins 
their  banks,  being  attracted  thither  by  the  richness  of  the  pasture* 

(23}  I  have  in  my  tiianslation  placed  the  three  last  verses  of  this  speech, 
as  recommended  by  Dr.  Mus^ve  in  his  note,  before  those  four,  which 
in  all  the  editions  immediately  precede  them,  as  the  ce&tekt  ilppeftn  te 
be  thereby  greatly  inproved. 


ION.  157 

But  neither  shall  this  altiar  nor  the  temple 
Of  Phoebus  save  thy  life:  for  the  compassion 
Thou  would'st  excite,  is  rather  due  to  me 
And  to  my  Mother ;  for  although,  in  person. 
She  he  not  here,  yet  is  that  much-lov'd  name 
Ne'er  absent  from  my  thoughts. 

CREUSA. 

To  spare  my  life 
In  my  own  name  I  warn  you,  and  in  that 
Of  the  vindictive  God  befoi^  whose  altar 
We  stand* 

ION.  ''.-.-•• 

But  what  hast  thou  to  do  with  Phcfcbus  i 

CREUSA.'    ' 

Myself  I  to  the  Delphic  God  devote.  '      ' 

ION. 
Tho'  thou  his  priest  by  poison  wouldst  have  slain. 

CREUSA. 

Phoebus  in  you  had  at  that  time  no  right, 
Because  you  were  your  Fatber'si '  '  '    , 

ION. 

I  was  once 
Apollo%  and  still  call  myself  his  son. 

CREUSA. 

Tp  him  indeed  you  formerly  belonged. 
But  now  am  I  his  votarv,  and  no  claim 
Have  you  to  such  a  title. 

ION. 

•    Tby^behaviour 
Is  impious,  mine  waspious  erst. 

CREUSA. 

I  sought 
To  take  away  the  life  of  you,  a  foe  . 

To  me,  and  to  my  house. 

'  ION. 

Did  I  with  armi 
Invade  thy  country  ? 


108 


ION. 


The  mansions  of  Fsectbeiis. 

ION. 

With  *w^at  briinfclflj, 

'WTiat  flames  ? 

GRBUSA. 

You  ia  my  palace  would  have  d\^elt. 
Seizing  it  'gainst  pay  will. 

My  Sire  bestowing 
On  me  the  realm  his  valoar  had  obtained. 

But  by  what  claim  rule  Mf>lus*s  race 
Over  Minerva's  city  f  '  .  ;  . 

With , his, SMToi^d 
He  rescued  it,  and  not  with  empty  words. 

He  was  but  an  ally,  uori^fs  that  ja^^ 
His  proper  resideace. 

ION. 
Thro*  the  ipfsre  dre^  ,  . 
Of  what  might  happen,would'st  thou  then  have  slainmc  t 

CREU&A. 

liCst  I  shoujd  perish  if  your  life,  we^ejspau'd.. 

lOI?. 
With  envy  art  thou  stung,  because  my  Sire 
l>iscover*d  me,  while  thou  remain'st  yet  childless. 

CREUSA. 

Would  ydu  invade  the  childless  matron's  house  ^ 

ION. 

But  have  not  I  some  title  to  a  share 
Of  my  Sire's  wealth? 

CREUSA. 

A  shield  and  spear  are  all 
Your  Father  had,  and  all  thatypu  (;ap  chiw*  ( 


I©N.  1*0 

ION. 

Leave  Phoebus*  siltar  and  this  hallowM  seat. 

creusa; 

Where'er  she  dwell,  to  yanr  4)Wn  Mother  give 
Such  admonitions. 

ION. 

Shalt  thou  -scape  vnpuoiah'd 
For  thy  attempt  to  slay  me? 

CREtTSA. 

If  you  mean 
To  take  away  my  life,  let  it  be  here 
Within  this  temple. 

ION. 
Whdt  delight  to  thee 
Can  it  afford^  amid  the  votive  wreaths 
Of  Phoebus  to  expire  ?        i 

CREUSA. 

I  shall  afflict    - .    ^ 
One  by  whom  I  have  greatly  been  afflicted. 

ION. 

Oh  !  'tis  most  wondrous.  Sow,  for  man  t'-  observe^ 
The  Deity,  such  laws  as  arc  not  good 
Or  prudent,  hiath  eliacted.^   Forth'  unjust 
(23)  Befoi^  their  altars  ought  to  find  no  seat. 
But  thence  to  be  expell'd ;  for  'lis  not  fit 
The  statues  of  the  Gods  by  invp4ou»  hands  " 

Should  be  profan'd ;  but  every  vjrtuous  mad 
Who  is  oppress'd  ought  to  find  shelter  there. 
Yet  is  it  most  unseemly,  for  the  just 
And  the  unjust,  when  here  4hey  meet  together,       ' 
T'  experience  the  same  tieatment  from  the  Gods. 

(23) '  ^  I'kno^  not  vrbether  thi^  pi^sage  on  tlie  psivilege  <if  Asylums  is 
**  any  where  more  copiDiisiy  treated;  tlnm  ^y  •^'iiliislriotiaSir'ThMnai 
^<  More,  in  his  English  history  of  King  Edward  the  Fifth.'*    Barnbs. 


ISO  ION. 

PYTHUN  PRIESTESS,  ION,  CREUSA. 

CHORUS. 

PYTHIAN  PBfESTESS. 
Refrain  thy  rage,  my  Son ;  for  I  tbe  Priestess 
Of  Phoebus,  who  the  tripod's  antient  rites 
Maintain,  selected  from  the  Delphic  maids. 
Leave  his  oracular  abode  and  pass 
This  consecrated  threshold. 

ION, 
Hail,  dear  Mother. 
Altho'  you  bore  me  not. 

PYTHIAJJ    PRIESTESS. 

Yet  call  me  such, 
That  name  is  not  ungrateful* 

ION.  . 

Have  you  heard 
The  stratagems  she  fofm'd  to  murder  mei 

PYTHIAN .  PRIESTESSw  .      . 

I  heard  them ;  and  thou  also  hast  transgress'd 
Through  cruelty. 

ION* 

How !  Can  it  be  unjust. 
Those  who  would  slay -me,  to  reward  with  death  ? 

PYTHIAN  PRIESTESS. 

Wives  with  iiiveterate  hatred  ever  view 
Their  Husbands'  Sons  sprung  ftom  another  bed* 

ION. 

And  we  who  have  byth^mhoeo  greatly,  wronged,' 
Abhor  those  Step-dap^Btt* 

PYTHIAN    PRIESTESS; 

Banish  from  thy  soul 
This  rancour,  now  the  temple, thou  art  leaving, . 
And  on  thy  journey  to  thy  native  land. 

ION. 
How  then  would  you  advise  me  to  proceed  ? 


ION. 


161 


PYTHIAN  PRIESTESS. 

Go  unpolluted  to  th'  Athenian  realm 
With  prosperous  omens. 

ION. 
Sure  the  man  who  slays 
His  foes  is  unpolluted. 

PYTHIAN  PRIESTESS. 

Act  not  thus : 
But  with  attentive  ear  receive  my  counsels. 

,    ION. 
O  speak  :  for  your  benevolence  to  me 
Will  dictate  all  you  utter. 

PYTHIAN  -  PRIESTESS. 

Dost  thou  see 
The  chest  beneath  my  arm  I 

ION. 

An  antient  chesty 
"With  garlands  deck'd,  I  see. 

PYTHIAN   PRIfiSTESS. 

In  this>  thee  erst 
A  new-born  infant^  I  receiv'd. 

ION. 

What  mean  ydu  i 
A  fresh  discovery  opens. 

PYTHIAN  PRIESTESS. 

I  have  kept 
These  tokens  secret ;  but  display  ttiem  now. 

ION. 

How  could  you  hide  them  such  a  length  of  time 
As  since  you  took  me  up? 

^     PYTHIAN   PRIESTESS. 

The  God  required 
Thy  service  in  his  temple. 

ION. 

Both  he  now  .    > 

No  longer  heed  it  i^  who  this  doubt  will  solve  f 

VOL.   Ill*  u 


lOl  ION. 

FYTHIAK  FRIESTE8S. 

By  pointing  out  thy  8ire,  he  ffom  thege  realnw 

Dismisses  thee. 

ION. 
But  ift  it  by  command^ 
Or  from  what  motive,  that  this  chest  yoo  keep  I 

PYTHIAN  PRIESTESS* 

Apollo's  self  inspired  me  with  the  thought— 

ION. 

Of  doing  what  ?  O  speak,  conclude  your  tale. 

PYTHIAN  PMiaTESS. 

With  care  preserving  to  the  present  time 
What  I  had  found. 

ION.  J 

But  how  can  this  to  me 
Cause  either  gain  or  damage  ? 

PYTHIAN  PRIESTESS. 

Know^st  thou  not, 
That  round  thee  close  these  fillets  wefe  entwined  i 

ION. 

What  you  produce  may  aid  me  in  th'  attempt 
To  find  my  Mother. 

PY»raiAN  PRIESTESS. 

With  the  God's  consent, 

Which  he  did  erst  withhold. 

ION. 

Oday,  thatbring'st 

Blest  visions  to  deFight  these  wondering  eyes ! 

PYTHIAN    PRIESTESS. 

Observe  these  hints,  and  diligently  seHrch 
For  her  who  bore  thee :  traversing  ali  Asia, 
And  Europe's  farthest  limit9>  thou  shalt  know 
The  truth  of  what  I  speak ;  thee,  O  my  Son, 
I  nurtured,  thro'  a  reverence  for  the  God, 
And  here  surrender  to  thy  hands  the  pledges 
Which  'twas  bis  will  I  should  receive  and  keqp^ 
Tho'  not  commanded :  bat  I  cannot  tell 


ION,  m 

What  motive  sway'd  him.    For,  th^i  I  posseBs'd 
These  tokens,  was  by  no  man  knpwiij  or  wberj^ 
They  were  cooceal'd.    Farewell^  roy  lov^  for  thee 
Is  equal  to  a  Mother's.    With  Ibese  qvestioos 
Thou  should'st  commence  thy  search  for  hf^r  whp  boie 

thee ; 
First,  whether  she  was  any  oympfa  of  Delphi^ 
Who  thee,  the  burden  of  her  womb,  expos'd 
Here  in  thi^  fane ;  but  be  thy  next  enquiry, 
If  any  Grecian  dame*    For  thou  deriv^st 
All  the  advantages  thon  hast,  from  sm?^ 
And  from  Apollo,  who  in  this  event 
Hath  been  concerned. 

ION. 

Alas!  what  plenteous  tears 
Steal  from  these  eyes,  while  shuddering  I  revolve 
How  she  who  bore  me-,  having  erst  indulg'd 
A  secret  passion,  did  by  stealth  expose, 
Nor  at'  her  breast  sustain  me :  but  unknown 
I  in  the  temple  of  Apollo  led 
A  servile  life.    The  God  indeed  was  kind, 
But  Fortune  harsh :  for  at  the  very  time 
When  in  maternal  arms  I  should  have  sported, 
And  tasted  somewhat  of  the  joys  of  life, 
I  of  my  dearest  Mother's  fostering  care 
Was  cruelly  deprived*     She  from  whose  womb 
I  sprung,  is  wretched  too,  she  hath  endurVl 
The  self-same  pangs  with  me,  and  lost  the  bliss 
She  might  have  hop'd  for  from  the  son  she  bore. 
But  now  this  antient  coffer  will  I  take 
And  carry  for  a  present  to  the  God  ; 
O  may  I  hence  discover  nought  to  blast 
My  wishes!  For  if  haply  she  who  bore  me 
Should  prove  some  slave,  it  were  a  greater  evil 
To  find  my  Mother  than  to  let  her  rest 
In  silepce.-^I  this  votive  gift,  O  Phoebus 
jLiodge  in  thy  fane/   Bat  what  presumptuous  deed ! 


164  ION. 

Oppose  I  the  benignant  God  who  sav'd 
These  tokens  to  assist  me  in  discovering 
My  Mother  ?     1  am  bound  to  ope  the  lid. 
And  act  with  courage :  for  what  fate  ordains 
I  ne'er  can  supersede.     Why  were  ye  hidden 
From  me,  O  sacred  wreaths  and  bandages 
In  which  I  was  preserved  ?     This  orbed  chest 
Behold,  how  by  some  counsel  of  the  God 
It  hath  been  freed  from  the  effects  of  age ; 
Still  is  its  wicker  substance  undecay'd, 
Although  the  time  which  interven'd  was  long 
For  such  a  store  to  last. 

CREUSA. 

Ah  me !   what  vision 
Most  unexpected  do  I  see? 

CHORUS. 

Thou  oft 
Didst  heretofore  know  when  thou  should'st  be  silent. 

CREUSA. 

My  situation  now  no  more  admits 
Of  silence  :   cease  these  counsels-;  for  I  view 
The  chest  in  which  I,  O  my  Son,  exposM  you. 
While  yet  a  tender  infant,  in  the  cave 
OrCecrops  midst  th'  encircling  rocks  of  Macra. 
I  therefore  from  this  altar  will  depart, 
Tho'  death  should  be  the  consequence. 

ION. 

»  O  seize  her : . 

For  she,  with  frenzy  smitten  by  the  God,  . 
Leaps  from  the  hallow'd,  altar :  bind  her  arms. 

CREUSA* 

The  execution  of  your  bloody  purpose 
Suspend  not :  for  this  chest,  and  you,  and  all 
The  hidden  relics  it  containis  of  yours, 
My  son,  will  I  bold  fast. 

ION. 

Are  not  these  arts . 
Most  dreadful  ?  with  what  specious  words  e'en  now 


ION.  165 

She  claims  me  for  a  pledge ! 

CREUSA. 

Mot  thus:  but  you' 
Whom  they  hold  dear^  are  by  your  friends  discovered. 

ION. 
Am  I  a  friend  of  thine,  and  yet  in  secret 
Would'st  thou  have  murder'd  me  i 

CREUSA. 

Yea,  and  my  Son; 
A  name  to  both  thy  Parents  ever  dear. 

ION. 
Cease  to  contrive  these  fraudful  stratagems : 
For  I  will  clearly  prove  that  thou  art  guilty. 

CREUSA. 

Ah,  would  to  Heaven  that  I  could  reach  the  mark 
At  which  I  aim  my  shaft !  . 

ION. 
«  Is  that  chest  empty, 

Or  fiird  with  hidden  stores? 

CREUSA. 

Here  are  the  garments 
In  which  I  erst  exposed  you. 

ION. 

Canst  thou  tell 
What  name  they  bear  before  thine  eyes  behold  them  i 

CREUSA. 

If  I  aright  describe  them  not ;  to  die 
Will  I  be  nothing  loth. 

ION. 
Speak ;~  for  thy  boldness 
Is  somewhat  wonderful. 

CREUSA. 

Observe  the  robe 
Which  erst  I  wove,  when  yet  a  m&id. 

ION. 

What  sort 
Of  garment  is  it  ?  for  the  virgins'  loom 
Produces  various  woofs. 


186  iOM. 

CR^USA* 

Not  yet  complete  5 
The  sketch  bespeaks  a  learner. 

ION. 

In  what  form. 
That  here  tfeou  mAy'«t  not  take  md  unawares  i 

CHEUSA* 
The  Gorgon  fills  the  center  of  that  vest, 

IQN. 

O  Jove,  what  fate  pursues  m0 ! 

CREU8A. 

And  die  margin 
With  serpents  id  dncompa^s'd  like  the  Sgis* 

lOK. 

ha  this  is  the  lame  gaj-iueftt^    We  haV6  made 
Such  a  complete  discovery  a^  resembles 
The  oracles  of  Heaven. 

OlCEUSA. 

P  woof  which  em 
My  virgin  shuttle  wrought. 

lON- 

.    Canst  thou  produde 
Aught  else^  or  in  this  evidence  alone 
Art  thou  sucoesE^fuI  i 

(af4)  C»feU8A* 

In  a  styie  antique 
Dragons  with  golddn  cheeks,  Minerva'dgift> 
Who  bids  us  rear  our  children  'mong  such  forttii. 
In  imitation  of  our  ancestor 
Great  £ricthoniu8. 

ION. 

What  is  their  effect. 
Or  what  can  be  their  use  ?    To  me  explain 

(U)  Heath,  Piereon,  and  Df*  Mlwgiavc,  aU  concur  in  ascribing  the 
tiiree  linsf ,  hera  trafulated  as  one  continued  sentence,  to  Creusa :  for 
whence,  as  die  former  of  these  critics  observes^  could  Ion  poflsiWy 
know,  that  these  golden  dragons  were  the  gift  o^  Minerva? 


ION.  iGr 

These  golden  ornaments. 

CREUM* 

Them,  O  my  Son, 
Around  his  neck  the  new-J>oni  child  should  wear* 

lOK. 

Here  are  the  Dragoas :  but  I  wish  to  know 
What's  the  third  sign* 

CREUSA. 

Then  round  your  brow  I  plac'd 
A  garland  of  that  olive  which  first  grew 
On  Pallas'  reck ;  this^  if  it  still  be  here^ 
Hath  not  yet  lost  the  ▼erduie  of  its  leaves. 
But  flourishes  unwitber'd  like  the  tree 
From  which  'twas  taken. 

ION. 

O  my  dearest  Mother, 
With  what  delight  do  I  behold  thy  face  1 
And  on  those  cheeks  with  what  delight  imprint 
The  kiss  of  filial  rapture ! 

CR£TTSA.  > 

O  my  Son, 
Who  in  a  mother's  partial  eyes  outshine 
The  splendor  of  Hyperion,  (for  the  Ood 
Will  pardon  me)  I  clasp  you  in  these  arms 
Found  unexpectedly,  you  whom  I  thought 
To  have  been  plnng'd  beneath  the  silent  grave. 
And  dwelt  with  Proserpine. 

ION 

But  while  thou  fling'st^ 
O  my  dear  Mother,  thy  fond  arms  around  me, 
To  thee  £  seem  like  one  who  hath  been  dead, 
And  is  restored  to  life. 

CREVSA^ 

Thou  wide  expanse 
Of  radiant  ether^  in  what  grateful  tone 
Shall  I  express  myself?  By  clamorous  shouts? 
Whence  hath  such  unexpected  pleasure  reach'd  me  ? 
To  whom  am  I  indebted  for  this  joy  i 


i 


168.  ION. . 

ION. 

Sooner  could  I  have  look'd  for  aught,  O  Mother^ 
Happening  to  me,  than  ihe  discovery  made 
In  this  auspicious  hour,  that  I  am  thine. 

CREUSA. 

With  fear  I  tremble  yet  lest  thou  should*st  lose-* 

ION, 
The  Son  who  meets  thy  fond  embrace  i 

CREUSA. 

Such  hopes 
I  from  my  soul  had  banish'd.    Whence,  O  Woman, 
Pidst  thou  with  fostering  arms  receive  my  child  i 
By  whom  to  Phoebus'  temple  was  he  borne  ? 

ION, 
Twas  the  God's  doing.    But  may  prosperous  fortune 
Be'ours  thro'  the  remainder  of  our  lives. 
Which  have  been  wretched  hitherto. 

CREUSA. 

My  Son, 
Not  without  tears  were  you  brought  forth;  your  Motheir 
Midst  bitter  lamentations  from  her  arms 
Cast  you  to  earth :  but  now,  while  to  your  cheekft 
I  press  my  lips,  again  I  breathe,  {  taste 
The  most  ecstatic  pleasures. 

ION, 

What  thou  say'st. 
May  to  us  both  with  justice  be  applied. 

'    CREUSA. 

No  longer  am  I  left  without  an  heir. 
No  longer  childless ;  my  paternal  house 
Acquires  new  strength,  and  the  Athenian  realm 
Hath  yet  its  native  mouarchs.     E'en  Erectheus 
Grows  young  again,  nor  shall  our  earth-born  race 
Be  cover'd  with  the  shades  of  night,  but  view 
The  sun's  resplendent  beams. 

ION, 

But,  O  my  Mother, 
Since  my  Sire  too  is  present,  let  him  share 


\ 


The  transports  I  to  thee  have  given. 

CREUSA. 

What  words 
Are  these  which  you  have  utter'd^  O  my  Son  i 

ION. 

Who  proves  to  be  the  author  of  my  birth, 

CREUSA. 

Why  speak  of  this  ?    For  from  another  Sir« 
You  springs  and  not  from  Xuthus. 

ION. 

Me,  alas ! 
In  thy  unwedded  state,  a  spurious  child, 
Thou  then  didst  bear. 

CREUSA. 

Nor  yet  had  Hymen  wav'd 
For  me  his  torch,  or  led  the  choral  dance, 
Wheii,  O  my  dearest  Son,  for  yon  I  felt 
A  Mother's  throes. 

ION. 

From  what  ignoble  race 
Am  I  descended  i 

CREUSA. 

Witness  she  who  slew* 
The  Gorgon^ 

lOK. 
Ha !  what  meanest  thou  by  these  words  f 

CREUSA. 

Who  on  my  rocks,  whence  with  spontaneous  shoot 
The  fragrant  olive  springs,  my  native  bills, 
Fixes  her  seat. 

ION. 
To  me  thou  speak'st  so  darkly. 
That  what  thou  meanest  I  cauQot  comprehend. 

CREUSA. 

Beneath  the  rock  where  her  harmonious  lays 
The  nightingale  attunes,  I  by  Apollo— 

ION. 

Why  <}o8t  thou  name  Apollo  i 


170  ION. 

GREU8A* 

Was  embraced 
In  secrecy  — 

ION. 

Speak  on :  for  fair  renown^ 
And  profsperous  fortune,  will  to  me  accrue 
From  the  event  wtiich  thou  relat'st. 

CREU8A. 

To  PhoBlms, 

While  in  its  orbit  the  tenth  moon  revoly'dj 
1  bore  a  son,  whom  I  conceard* 

ION. 

Most  gratefal 
Are  these  strange  tidings^  if  thou  utter  truth. 

CREU8A. 

The  fillets  which  I  erst,  while  yet  a  maid> 
Wove  with  my  shuttle  I  around  you  twin'd : 
But  you  ne'er  clung  to  this  maternal  breast, 
Kor  did  these  hands  for  you  the  laver  hold. 
But  in  a  desert  cavern,  were  you  thrown 
To  perish,  torn  by  the  remorseless  beaks 
Of  hungry  vultures. 

■•  ION. 

What  a  horrid  deed 
Was  this,  in  thee,  O  Mother ! 

*  CREUSA* 

By  my  fears 
Held  fast  in  bondage,  O  my  Son,  your  life 
I  would  have  cast  away,  would  then,  tbo'  loth. 
Have  murder'd  you, 

ION. 

Thou  too  didst  scarce  escape 

From  being  slain  by  my  unholy  rage. 

CREUSA. 

Such  were  my  wretched  fortunes  then,  an4  snob 
The  apprehensions  which  I  felt.     Now  here, 
Now  there,  we  by  calamity  are  whirled. 
Then  sport  anew  in  prosperous  fortune's  gales. 


ION.  171 

Which  often  veer:  but  may  they  fix  at  ladt! 
May  what  I  have  enddr'd  suffice !    But  now, 
My  Son>  doth  a  propitious  breeze  succeed 
The  tempest  of  our  woes. 

Let  no  man  think 
Aught  wonderful  that  happensi,  when  compar'd 
With  these  events. 

lOltf- 

O  Foi-tune^  who  bast  wrought 
A  change  in  countless  multitudes,  whom  first 
Thou  hast  made  wi'etched,  and  then  blest  anew ; 
What  an  important  crisis  of  my  life 
Is  this  which  I  have  reached,  and  been  expos'd 
To  dangers  imminent^  of  slaying  her 
Who  bore  me,  and  enduring  such  a  deatb 
As  I  deserved  not !  While  we  view  the  sun 
Perform  his  bright  career,  fresh  truths  like  these 
Each  day  lie  open  for  the  world  to  learn. 
My  Mother,  (blest  discovery !)  thee  I  find, 
Hot  have  I  any  reason  to  complain 
Of  being  sprung  from  an  ignoble  Sire. 
But  I  would  tell  the  rest  to  thee  alone : 
Come  hither ;  let  me  whisper  in  thine  ear, 
And  over  these  transactions  cast  a  veil 
Of  darkness.    Recollect,,  if  at  the  time 
When  thou  thy  virgin  purity  didst  forfeit. 
Thou  wert  not  by  some  secret  paramour 
Betray!d,  and  afterwards  induc'd  to  charge 
The  God  with  having  ruin'd  thee ;  my  scorn 
Endeavouring  to  avoid,  by  the  assertion 
That  Phoebus  is  my  Father,  tho*  by  him 
Thou  wert  not  pregnant. 

CREUSA. 

No,  by  her  who  fought^ 
Borne  in  a  car  sublime,  for  thundering  Jove 
Against  the  Giant's  earth*born  race,  Minerva 


irt  ION, 

Victorious  Goddess,  by  no  mortal  Sire 
Were -you,  my  Son,  begotten,  but  by  him 
Who  nurtured  you,  Apollo  mighty  king, 

ION. 
What  motive  then  had  he  for  yielding  up 
His  offspring  to  another  Sire,  pretending 
That  I  am  Xuthus'  Son  ? 

CREUSA. 

The  God  asserts  not 
That  Xuthus  wast  the  author  of  your  birth. 
But  you,  his  offspring,  doth  on  him  bestow.^ 
For  to  a  friend  a  friend  may  give  his  son 
T'  inherit  his  possessions. 

ION. 

O  my  Mother, 
An  anxious  doubt,  whether  the  God  speak  truth. 
Or  utter  a  fallacious  oracle, 
Is  cause  sufficient  to  disturb  my  soul, 

CREUSA. 

Hear  then,  my  Son,  what  thoughts  to  me  occur  ; 
Your  benefactor  Phoebus  places  you 
In  an  illustrious  house  :  but  were  you  c«lPd 
The  offspring  of  the  God,  you  would  receive 
For  your  inheritance,  nor  wide  domains. 
Nor  aught  of  rank  paternal*     For  from  him 
With  whom  my  luckless  union  I  concea?d. 
And  secretly  attempted  to  have  slain  you. 
How  could  you  look  for  aught  i  But  he,  promoting^ 
Your  interest,  to  another  Sire  consigns  you. 

ION. 

I  cannot  rashly  credit  tales  like  these. 
But  I  will  go  into  the  fane,  and  ask 
Apollo,  whether  from  a  mortal  Sire 
I  spring,  or  whether  I  am  Phoebus*  son. 
Ha !  who  is  that,  who  on  the  pinnacles 
Of  this  high  dome  ascending,  like  the  Sun, 
Displays  her  front  celestial  ?  let  us  Hy, 


\ 


ION.  175 

My  Mother,  lest  perchance  we  view  the  Gx>dg 
(25)  When  we  are  not  permitted  to. behold  themv 

MINERVA,  ION,  CREUSA,  CHORUS. 

,  MINERVA,  ■ 

O  stay,  for  'tis  from  me  you  fly,  who  bear 
To  you  no  hate,  but  in  th'  Athenian  realm. 
And  here  am  equally  your  friend :  I,  Pallas, 
From  whom  your  native  land  derives  its  name^. 
Am  hither  come  with  swift  career  dispatch'd 
By  Phoebus,  in  your  presence,  who  himself 
Deems  it  not  meet  t'  appear,  lest  his  past  conduct 
In  foul  reproach  involve  him  :  but  the  God 
Sends  me  t'  inform  you  that  Creusa  bore. 
And  Phoebus  was  the  father  who  begot  you. 
But  you,  the  God,  as  he  sees  fit,  bestows. 
Not  upon  him  who  is  your  real  Sire, 
But  hath  contriv'd  this  plot  that  you  may  gain 
The  heritage  of  an  illustrious  house. 
For  when  the  holy  oracle  pronounc'd 
This  riddle,  fearing,  by  a  Mother's  wiles. 
Lest  you  should  bleed,  or  with  vindictive  hand 
That  Mother  slay,  he  by  a  stratagem 
Hath  extricated  both.    The  roval  Seer 
Meant  to  have  kept  this  secret,  till  at  Athens 
He  had  proclaimed  that  you  derive  your  birth 

(25)  Spanheim,  in  hi^  notes  on  the  following  similar  passage  in  Calfi- 
machus's  Hymn  on  the  Bath  of  Pallas,  which  is  referred  to  by  pr. 
ilusgrave, 

Op  XT  rvf  tAeteHuJt  oiut  pi  ^tog  ai/Io;  OtiiTau,  ' 

cites  these  two  last  lines  of  loifs  speech,  and  the  two  &rf   of  Minerva*! 

i<9pfy,  and  observes  that  the  voluntary  appearances  of  the  Gods  to 

mto,  particalarly  such  as  were  Youduiafed  to  the  pious  at  the  mystic  j 

■ol«mmlifs»  were  supposed,  instnid  of  causing  blindness,  as  in  the  | 

ytm^  of  Hresias,  or  aay  inalant  mischief,  to  brmg  health  to  the  body, 

and  Tirtue  to  the  sonl. 


J74  ION. 

From  Pboebus  and  Creiisa.    But  this  matter 

That  I  may  finish  now,  and  the  contents 

Of  those  important  oracles  reveal, 

Which  to  explore  ye  by  your  haroess'd  steeds 

Were  hither  drawn,  attend.— Creusa,  take 

Thy  son,  to  the  Cecropian  land  repair, 

And  place  him  on  the  throne ;  for  from  the  race 

Of  great  Erectheus  sprung,  he  is  entitled 

To  rule  mv  favour'd  realm,  and  shall  be  fam'd 

Thro*  Greece  :  for  hi»-four  sons,  sprung  from  one  root. 

Shall,  on  their  country,  and  its  tribes  who  dwell 

Upon  my  sacred  rock,  their  name  confer; 

Geleon  the  first ;  then  Hoples,  Argades, 

And,  from  the  shield  I  bear,  a  chief  call'd  ^gis 

'Shall  rule  th'  iEgichori.     But  their  descendants 

Born  at  a  period  by  the  Fates  assigned. 

Amid  the  Cyclades  shall  dwell,  in  towns 

Encircled  by  the  billowy  deep,  and  havens 

Which  to  my  realm  will  add  new  strength  :  the  shores 

Of  either  continent  shall  they  possess, 

Asia  and  Europe,  but,  from  Ion,  styFd 

lonians,  they  with  glory  shall  be  crown'd. 

But  from  thee  too  and  Xuthus  shall  descend 

A  noble  race;  Dorus,  the  mighty  founder 

Of  the  famM  Doric  realm  ;  in  the  domain 

Of  antient  Pelops,  shall  your  (26)  second  son  » 

Achaeus  be  the  Monarch  of  the  coast 

Bordering  on  Khium's  steep  ascent,  with  pride 

That  nation  shall  adopt  their  leader's  name« 

In  all  things  hath  Apollo  acted  right; 

First  without  pain  he  caus'd  thee  to  bring  forth. 

Lest  to  thy  friends  thy  shan^^e  should  be  reveal'd  : 


(S6)  '^  Achseus,  the  second  son  of  Xutiins,  havrag  mwittingly  conn* 
"  mitted  an  act  of  homicide,  retreated  iato  Sparta,  and  from  Um  ^ns 
*<  the  name  of  A(;haianff  given  to  the  MiaMtaiit9  of  tht  sea  coast iwr 
'^  Rhiun,  a  promontory  of  Peleponesus  silaatad  on  tba  nooth  of  Iha 
"  Corintiiian  bay,"    Brodjsvs  and  Barnss.  v^ 


ION.  17« 

Sttt  after  thou  hadst  borne  this  Son^  and  swath'd 
ThAse  fillets  round  him^  he  bade  Hermes  bring 
The  infant  to  this  fane^  and  nurtur'd  him. 
Nor  suffered  him  to  die.    Now  therefore  keep 
Strict  silence,  nor  declare  that  he  is  thine. 
That  Xuthus  may  exult  in  the  idea 
Of  being  Father  to  the  youth,  while  thouj 

0  woman,  shalt  enjoy  the  real  bliss. 
Farewell,  for  from  this  pause  ih  your  afflictions 

1  to  you  both  announce  a  happier  fate. 

ION. 
O  Pallas,  daughter  of  imperial  Jove, 
Thy  words  I  disbelieve  not;  for  from  Phoebus 
And  this  illustrious  Dame  am  I  convinced 
That  I  derive  my  birth,  which  from  the  first 
.Was  not  improbable. 

To 'what  I  speak 
Now  give  attention :  I  commend  Apollo, 
Tho'  erst  I  blam'd  him ;  for  he  now  restores 
To  me  the  Son  he  formerly  negliected. 
^  Now  are  these  portals  pleasing  to  my  sight. 
And  this  oracular  abode  of  Phoebus, 
Which  I  so  lately  loath'd.     I  now  these  rings 
Seize  with  exulting  hands,  and  at  the  threshold 
Utter  my  grateful  orisons. 

MINERVA. 

The  praises 
Which  thou  bestow'st  on  Phoebus,  I  applaud, 
And  this  thy  sudden  change :  for  tho'  the  aid 
The  Gods  afford  be  tardy,  it  at  length 
Proves  most  effectual. 

CREUSA. 

Let  us,  O  my  Son, 
Repair  to  our  own  Athens. 

MINERVA. 

Thither  go, 


175  lON- 

And  I  will  follow. 

CREUSA, 

Deign  I'  accompany 
Our  steps,  and  to  our  city  prove  a  friends 

MlNERVA, 

Upon  the  throne  of  thy  progenitors, 
There  take  thy  seat. 

ION. 

'  To  me  will  such  possessions 

Be  honourable* 

CHOHUS. 
O  Phoebus,  son  of  Jove, 
And  of  Latona,  hail.    Whene'er  his  house 
Is  shaken  by  calamity,  die  man 
Who  pays  due  reverence  to  the  Gods,  hath  cause 
To  trust  in  their  protection :  for  at  length 
The  virtuous  shall  obtain  their  due  reward^ 
Nor  shall  the  wicked  prosper  in  the  land.. 


-J 


HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 


Quid  apud  Earipidem  Hercules,  cum  ut  Euristhei  lilios,  ita  suos  con- 
figebat  ^igittis,  cum  uxorem  interimeliat,  cum  conabatur  etiam 
patrem,  non  perinde  movebatur  ialsis  ut  veris  moveretur? 

Cicero. 

Qualem,  jussu  Junonis  iniquae 
Horruit  Alcidcs  yiso  jam  Dite,  Megaeram.  LucAir. 


1 


vol.    III.  N 


ICS-  ION. . 

ION. 

Sooner  could  I  have  look'd  for  aught,  O  Mother^ 
Happening  to  me,  than  i  be  discovery  made 
lu  this  auspicious  hour,  that  I  am  thine. 

CREUSA. 

With  fear  I  tremble  yet  lest  thou  should*st  lose-* 

ION. 
The  Son  who  meets  thy  fond  embrace  i 

CREUSA. 

Such  hopes 
I  from  my  soul  had  banish'd.    Whence,  O  Woman, 
Pidst  thou  with  fostering  arms  receive  my  child  i 
By  whom  to  Phoebus'  temple  was  he  borne  i 

ION, 

Twas  the  God's  doing.    But  may  prosperous  fortune 
Be^ours  thro'  the  remainder  of  our  lives. 
Which  have  been  wretched  hitherto. 

CREUSA. 

My  Son, 
Not  without  tears  were  you  brought  forth ;  your  Motheir 
Midst  bitter  lamentations  from  her  arms 
Cast  you  to  earth :  but  now,  while  to  your  cheeks 
I  press  my  lips,  again  I  breathe,  I  taste 
The  most  ecstatic  pleasures. 

ION» 

What  thou  say'st. 
May  to  us  both  with  justice  be  applied. 

'    CREUSA. 

No  longer  am  I  left  without. an  heir. 
No  longer  childless ;  my  paternal  house 
Acquires  new  strength,  and  the  Athenian  realm 
Hath  yet  its  native  mouarchs.     E'en  Erectheus 
Grows  young  again,  nor  shall  our  earth-born  race 
Be  cover'd  with  the  shades  of  nigbt,  but  view 
The  sun's  resplendent  beams. 

ION, 

But,  O  my  Mother, 
Since  my  Sire  too  is  present,  let  him  share 


The  transports  I  to  thee  have  given. 

CREUSA. 

What  words 
Are  these  which  you  have  utter'd,  O  my  Son  i 

ION. 
Who  proves  to  he  the  author  of  my  birth. 

CREUSA. 

Why  speak  of  this  i    For  from  another  Sirft 
You  spring,  and  not  from  Xuthus. 

ION. 

Me,  alas! 
In  thy  unwedded  state,  a  spurious  child, 
Thou  then  didst  bear. 

CREUSA. 

Nor  yet  had  Hjrmen  wav'd 
For  me  his  torch,  or  led  the  choral  dance. 
When,  O  my  dearest  Son,  for  you  I  felt 
A  Mother's  throes. 

ION. 
From  what  ignoble  race 
Am  I  descended? 

CREUSA. 

Witness  she  who  slew* 
The  Gorgon^ 

lOK. 
Ha !  what  meanest  thou  by  these  words  f 

CREUSA. 

Who  on  my  rocks,  whence  with  spontaneous  shoot 
The  fragrant  olive  springs,  my  native  hills, 
Fixes  her  seat. 

ION. 
To  me  thou  speak'st  so  darkly. 
That  what  thou  mean'st  I  cannot  comprehend* 

CREUSA. 

Beneath  the  rock  where  her  harmonious  lays 
The  nightingale  attunes,  I  by  Apollo— 

ION. 

Why  ^ost  thou  name  Apollo  i 


170  ION. 

Was  embraced 
In  secrecy  — 

ION. 

Speak  CD :  for  fair  renown. 
And  prosperous  fortaoe,  will  to  me  accrue 
From  the  event  which  thou  relat'st. 

CREU84. 

To  Pbosbufi, 
While  in  its  orbit  the  tenth  moon  revolv'd, 
I  bore  a  son,  whom  I  conceal'd. 

ION. 

Most  gratefol 
Are  these  strange  tidings,  if  thou  utter  truth. 

CREUSA. 

The  fillets  which  I  erst,  while  jet  a  maid. 
Wove  with  my  shuttle  I  around  you  twin'd : 
But  you  ne'er  clung  to  this  maternal  breast, 
Kor  did  these  hands  for  you  the  laver  hold. 
But  in  a  desert  cavern,  were  you  thrown 
To  perish,  torn  by  the  remorseless  beaks 
Of  hungry  vultures. 

*  ION. 

What  a  horrid  deed 
Was  this,  in  thee,  O  Mother ! 

*  CREUSA. 

By  my  fears 
Held  fast  in  bondage,  O  my  Son,  your  life 
I  would  have  cast  away,  would  then,  tho'  loth. 
Have  murder'd  you. 

ION. 
Thou  too  didst  scarce  escape 

From  being  slain  by  my  unholy  rage. 

CREU8A. 

Such  were  my  wretched  fortunes  then,  an  j  such 
The  apprehensions  which  I  felt.     Now  here, 
Now  there,  we  by  calamity  are  whirled. 
Then  sport  anew  in  prosperous  fortune's  gales. 


ION.  171 

Which  often  veer:  but  mfty  they  fix  at  last! 
May  what  I  have  enddPd  suffice !   But  now, 
My  Son>  doth  a  propitious  breeze  succeed 
The  tempest  of  our  woes. 

Let  no  fiian  think 
Aught  wonderful  that  happensi^  when  compared 
With  these  events. 

O  Fortune^  who  bast  wrought 
A  change  in  countless  multitudes,  whom  first 
Thou  hast  made  wretched,  and  then  blest  anew ; 
What  an  important  crisis  of  my  life 
Is  this  which  I  have  reach *d,  and  been  expos'd 
To  dangers  imminent^  of  slaying  her 
Who  bore  me,  and  enduring  such  a  death 
As  I  deserv'd  not !  While  we  view  the  sun 
Perform  his  bright  career,  fresh  truths  like  these 
Each  day  lie  open  for  the  world  to  learn. 
My  Mother,  (blest  discovery!)  thee  I  find, 
Hot  have  I  any  reason  to  complain 
Of  being  sprung  from  an  ignoble  Sire* 
But  I  would  tell  the  rest  to  thee  alone : 
Come  hither ;  let  me  whisper  in  thine  ear. 
And  over  these  transactions  cast  a  veil 
Of  darkness.     Recollect,  if  at  the  time 
When  thou  thy  virgin  purity  didst  forfeit. 
Thou  wert  not  by  some  secret  paramour 
Betray'd,  and  afterwards  induc'd  to  charge 
The  God  with  having  ruin'd  thee ;  my  scorft 
Endeavouring  to  avoid,  by  the  assertion 
That  Phcebus  is  my  Father,  tho'  by  him 
Thou  wert  not  pregnant* 

CREUSA. 

No,  by  her  who  fought^ 
Borne  in  a  car  sublime,  for  thundering  Jove 
Against  the  Giant's  earth*born  race,  Minerva 


irt  ION, 

Victorious  Goddess,  by  no  mortal  Sire 
Were -you,  my  Son,  begotten,  but  by  him 
Who  nurtured  you,  Apollo  mighty  king, 

ION. 
What  motive  then  had  he  for  yielding  up 
His  offspring  to  another  Sire,  pretending 
That  I  am  Xuthus'  Son  ? 

CREUSA. 

The  God  asserts  not 
That  Xuthus  wasi  the  author  of  your  birth. 
But  you,  his  oflFspring,  doth  on  him  bestow. 
For  to  a  friend  a  friend  may  give  his  son 
T*  inherit  his  possessions. 

ION. 

O  my  Mother, 
An  anxious  doubt,  whether  the  God  speak  truth. 
Or  utter  a  fallacious  oracle, 
Is  cause  sufficient  to  disturb  my  soul. 

CREUSA. 

Hear  then,  my  Son,  what  thoughts  to  me  occur  ^ 
Your  benefactor  Phoebus  places  you 
In  an  illustrious  house  :  but  were  you  calPd 
The  offspring  of  the  God,  you  would  receive 
For  your  inheritance,  nor  wide  domains, 
!Nor  aught  of  rank  paternal.     For  from  him 
With  whom  my  luckless  union  I  concealed, 
And  secretly  attempted  to  have  slain  you. 
How  could  you  look  for  aught  ?  But  he,  promoting^ 
Your  interest,  to  another  Sire  consigns  you. 

ION. 

I  cannot  rashly  credit  tales  like  these. 
But  I  will  go  into  the  fane,  and  ask 
Apollo,  whether  from  a  mortal  Sire 
I  spring,  or  whether  I  am  Phoebus*  son. 
Ha !  who  is  that,  who  on  the  pinnacles 
Of  this  high  dome  ascending,  like  the  Sun, 
Displays  her  front  celestial  i  let  us  fly. 


ION.  175 

My  Mother,  lest  perchance  we  view  the  Godtf 
(2^)  When  we  are  not  permitted  to.behold  themv 

MINERVA,  ION,  CREUSA,  CHORUS. 

,  MINERVA.  i 

O  Stay,  for  'tis  from  me  you  fly,  who  bear 
To  you  no  hate,  but  in  th*"  Athenian  realm. 
And  here  am  equally  your  friend:  I,  Pallas, 
From  whom  your  native  land  derives  its  name^ 
Am  hither  come  with  swift  career  dispatch'd 
By  Phoebus,  in  your  presence,  who  himself 
Deems  it  not  meet  t'  appear,  lest  his  past  conduct 
In  foul  reproach  involve  him  :  but  the  God 
Sends  me  t'  inform  you  that  Creusa  bore. 
And  Phoebus  was  the  father  who  begot  you. 
But  you,  the  God,  as  he  sees  fit,  bestows. 
Not  upon  him  who  is  your  real  Sire, 
But  hath  contriv'd  this  plot  that  you  may  gain 
The  heritage  of  an  illustrious  house. 
For  when  the  holy  oracle  pronounc'd 
This  riddle,  fearing,  by  a  Mother's  wiles. 
Lest  you  should  bleed,  or  with  vindictive  hand 
That  Mother  slay,  he  by  a  stratagem 
Hath  extricated  both.    The  roval  Seer 
Meant  to  have  kept  this  secret,  till  at  Athens 
He  had  proclaim'd  that  you  derive  your  birth 


(25)  Spanheim,  in  hU  notes  on  the  following  similar  passage  in  Calli- 
maclms's  Hymn  on  the  Bath  of  Pallas,  which  is  referred  to  by  pr« 
iliisgrave, 

cites  these  two  last  lines  of  Ion's  speech,  and  the  two  Ijjv  of  Minerva*t 
i^pfyy  and  observes  that  the  vohmtary  appearances  of  the  Gods  to 
nwDy  particularly  sadi  as  were  Yonchsafed  to  the  pious  at  the  mystic 
Mdemnitiesi  were  supposed,  instead  of  causing  blindness,  as  in  the 
^eme  of  Tiresias,  or  any  ioslant  mischief,  to  brmg  health  to  the  body, 
and  Tirtae  to  the  soul. 


\ 


180  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

My  woes^  and  in  his  native  land  obtain 

A  quiet  residence,  this  great  reward 

He  on  Eurystheus  promis-d  to  bestow^ 

That  he  would  rid  the  world  of  every  pest : 

Harrass'd  by  Juno's  stings,,  or  envious  Fate, 

With  her  conspiring :  but,  his  other  labours 

Accooiplish'd,  he  thro*  Tsenarus*^  jaws  M  length 

Went  to  the  liouse  of  Pluto,  to  drag  forth 

Into  the  realms  of  day  hcU's  triple  bound : 

He  thence  returns  not.     But  an  old  tradition  , 

Among  the  race  of  Cadmus  hath  prevail'd. 

That  (3)  Lycus,  Directs  husbaiM),  erst  bore  rule 

Over  this  city,  uli  «love'^  sons^  AiUphion, 

And  Zethus,  who  en  milk-while  couraors  rode. 

Became  it»  Sovereigns.     Lycus'  aon  who  bears 

His  Father'^  name,  no  Tbebaa,  but  arriving 

From  the  Eubcsan  state,  slew  ral)'al  Creoo,  .  , 

And  having  slain  him,  seiz'd  the  throne,  inyadii>g 

The  city  with  tumultuous  broils  convuis*d» 

But  the  affinity  which  we  have  form'd 

With  Creon,  sevms  to  be  my  greatest  curae :  ' 

For  while  my  Sena  stays  in  the  realms  beneacb,, 

Lycus  tV  egregious  monarch  of  this  land 

r 

the  father  of  bis  wife  Alctfiena,  mtu  drivio;^  tbem  home,  and  tlirowiiig' 
his  staff  at  one  which  ran  away,  it  g^nced  from  Uie  horns  of  the  beast 
on  £Iectryon*8  head,  and  lulled  him.  SUienelus  took  advantage  of  tliis^ 
misfortune  to  expe)  Amphitryon  from  the  territoiy^  of  Argos. 

(3)  This  first  Lyons,  Fatiier  of  tlic  Lycus  who  is  one  of  the  cfaarac« 
ters  in  the  tragedy,  before  ns,  was  brodier  of  Nyctens,  and  Sbn  of  the 
Spartan  Cthonhis.  iFIe  was  first  marred  to  Antiope,  whom  he  divorced 
and  kept  in  chains,  and  afterwards  to  Dirce ;  but  Zethus  and  Amphion 
the  two  sons  of  Antiq>e  by  Jupiter,  enraged  at  the  injurious  treatment 
theur  Mother  experienced,  destroyed  Dirce,  who  is  spoken  of  as  bein^ 
▼eiy  instrumental  in  the  cruelties  exercised  on  her  malj  by  ^ing  her  to 
the  boms  of  a  wild  bull:  as  to  Lyens^  it  appears  from  £ui^ide9»  that 
they  did  not  kill,  but  banish  him  to  the  island  of  Eubcni^  wbero  tfaisk 
son  of  his,  the  younger  Lycus,  was  bom  after  his  exile ;  whicb  in  fom^ 
measure  accounts  for  the  length  tf  time  ttait  intervened  he/ore  he> 
seized  the  Theban  tshrone* 


MERCULES  DISTRACT£1)>  ISl 

Would  with  the  Children  of  Alcides  kill 

His  Consort,  by  fresh  murders  to  extinguish 

The  past,  and  klH  me  too,  (if.one  thrp'  nge 

So  useless  may-benumbej'^d.auioag  men)  . 

Lest  when  theboy^i  attain  maturer  ag^^ 

They  -should  aveoge  their  Grandsire  Cieoa's  deatbu    . 

But  I  (for  uiy  Son.ieft  me  here  to  tend 

His  children,  and  direct  the  house,  since  he 

Enter'd  the  subterraneous  realms  of  night,). 

With  their  afflicted  M other,  lest  the  race  > 

Of  Hercules  should  hleed^  for  an  asylum 

Have  chosen  this  altar  of  protecting  Jove, 

Which  my  illaBtrk>us  son  fur  a  knemorial 

Of  his  victorious  arms  did  here  ereQt,  ,  ..    -  '• 

When  he  in  battle  had  subdmed  the  Mi^iyaus. 

But  we,  the'  destitn^te  of  eyqry  copaforf, 

Of  food,  -drink,  clothing,  tbo!  con»traia*d  tp  lie 

Oathe  bare  pavement,  hejiie  maiqtain  our  seat^ 

For  every  hospitable  door  ki  ,barr  d 

Against  us^  aud  we  have  n»  other  bo^e 

Of  being  sav'xl.    Some  of  <our.frkiKl^  I  ^ 

Are  faithless,  and  the  few^^ho.pfpye  sipQere^ 

Too  weak  to  aid  us.    Sach<i^>t^€'€^fiect 

Of  adverse  fortune  o'er  the  race  of  meo ;  ' 

May  he  to  whom  I  bear  the  -least  attachment, 

N«ver  experience  riwit  unerring  test 

Of  friendship. 

MEOARA.  .  . 

Hiou  old  man,  wito  er^t  dids^  storm 
The  Taphian  ramparts,  when  thou  with  renowa 
Didst  lead  the  host  of  Thebes ;  the  secret  will 
Of  Heaven,  how  little  can  frail  tport^ls  know ! 
For  to  me  too  of  no  avail  have  prov'd 
The  fortunes  o(  my  Father,  who  ela.te 
With  wealth  and  regal  power,  (whence  at  the  breastf. 
Of  its  possessors  spears  are  hurl'd  by  those  4 


188  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

Whose  souls  the  lust  of  mad  ambition  fires) 
And  having  children,  gave  me  to  thy  Son 
Joining  a  noble  consort,  in  the  bonds 
Of  wedlock  with  Alcides,  thro'  whose  death 
These  blessings  are  all  fled.    Now  I,  and  thqn. 
Old  Man^  are  dopm'd  to  perish  with  the  sons 
Of  Hercules,  whom,  as  the  bird  extends 
Her  sheltering  wings  over  her  callow  brood, 
I  guard.     By  turns  they  coqie  and  question  me ; 
O  Motl^er,  whither  is  my  Father  gone  f 
What  is  he  doing  ?  when  will  he  return?*' 
Tho'  now  too  young  sufficiently  to  feel 
How  great  their  loss,  thus  ask  they  for  their  Sire, 
I  change  the  theme,  lind  forge  a  soothing  tale. 
But  am  with  wonder  smitten  wh^n  the  doors 
Creak  on  their  massive  hinges,  and  at  once 
They  all  start  up,  that  a(  their  Father's  knees 
They  may  fall  prostrate.    But  what  hope  hast  tl^OM 
Of  saving  us,  or  what  support.  Old  Man  ? 
For  I  to  thee  look  up.    We  from  the  bqiinds 
Of  these  domains  unnotic'd  cannot  scape ; 
Mightier  than  us,  a  watchful  guard  is  plac'4 
At  every  avenue,  and  in  our  friends 
'So  longer  for  protection  can  we  trust. 
Explain  thyself,  if  t)iqu  hast  any  scheme. 
By  which  thou  from  impending  death  canst  save  us 
But  let  us  strive  to  lengthen  out  the  time. 
Since  we  are  feeble. 

AMPHITRYON. 

Tis  UQ  easy  task 
In  such  a  situation,  O  my  Daughter, 
To  form  a  sure  and  instantaneous  judgement. 

/  MEOARA. 

What  is  there  wafiting  to  complete  thy  woes. 
Or  ^hy  art  thou  so  fond  of  life? 

AMP^TRYON, 

That  blessing 


H£RCUL£S  DISTRACTED.  18S 

I  still  enjoy,  still  cherish  pleasing  hopes. 

MEOARA. 

I  also  hope,  old  man :  but  it  is  folly 
To  look  for  what  we. never  can  attain. 

i^MPHITHYON. 

We  by  delaying  might  avert  our  fate. 

MEGAHA. 
But  I  in  this  sad  interval  of  time 
Feel  piercing  anguish. 

AMPHITRYON. 

The  auspicious  §ale^ 

Of' Fortune,  O  my  Daughtery  yet  may  waft 

Both  you  and  me  out  of  our  present  troubles^ 

If  e'er  my  Sonyour  valiant  Lord  returp^ 

But  O  be  pacified  yourself,  and  cause 

Your  children  to  dry  up  their  streaming  tears; 

With  gentle  language  and  delusive  tales 

Beguile  them,  tho*  all  fraudful  arts  are  wretched. 

For  the  disasters  which  afflict  mankind 

Are  wearied  out ; '  the  stormy  Winds  retain  not 

Their  undiminishM  force ;  nor  are  the  blest 

Perpetually  blest :  for  all  things  change^ 

And  widely  differ  from  tbeirformer  state. 

The  valiant  man  is  he  who  strll  holds  fast 

}}is  hopes;  but  to  despair  bespeaks  t^  cowardi^ 

CHORUS,  AMPHITRYON,  MEOARA. 

cqoRus. 

Propp'd  on  my  faithful  staff,,  from  |;iome, 

And  from  the  couch  of  palsied  age. 

In  melancholy  guise  I  roam, 

Constrained  to  chaunt  funereal  strains, 

As  the  expiring  swan  complains, 

A  war  of  words  alone  I  wage,  ^ 

In  semblance,  but  a  flitting  sprite^^ 

An  airy  vision  of  the  night. 

I  totter ;  yet  dpth  active  zf al  , 


J84  HERCULES  DISTRACTED- 

This  faithful  bosom  slill  inspire. 
Ye  Children  who  have  lost  your  Sire, 
Thou  Veteran,  and  thou  aged  Dame, 
Doomed  for  thy  Lord  these  griefrf  to  feel, 
^  Whose  Pluto's  dreary  mansions  claim  ; 

0  weary  not  your  tender  feet. 

Like  steeds  hy  galling  harness  bound, 
To  turn  the  ponderous  mill  around, 

1  would  advance  my  friends  to  meet. 
Yet  are  my  utmost  efforts  vain. 
This  shattered  frame  I  scarce  sustain : 
Draw  near,  O  take  this  tremblipg  hand, 
And  hoidiDg  fast  my  robe,  support 
My  steps,  thy  needful  aid  I  court. 
Because  I  am  too  weak  to  stand. 
Lead  on  the  Chief,  tho*  now  by  years 
Bow'd  down,  who  marshall'd  on  the  strand. 
His  comrades  erst  a  hardy  band  ; 

With  him  id  youth  we  launch'd  our  spears. 
Nor  theti  belied  our  native  land. 
See  how  their  eyes  dart  liquid  fire. 
Those  Children  emulate  their  Sire ; 
But  still  hereditary  fate. 
Pursues  with  unrelenting  hate 
Their  tender  years,  nor  can  their  charms 
Redeem  them  from  impending  harms. 
What  valiant  champions  of  thy  cause, 
O  Greece,  thy  violated  laws. 
When  these  thy  great  supports  shall  fail. 
Torn  from,  thy  fostering  land  wilt  thou  bewail. 

But  I  behold  tlae  Monarch  of  the  realm 
Tyrannic  Lycus,  who  these  doors  approaches* 

LYCUS,  AMPHITRYON,  MEGARA,  CHORUS. 

LYCUS. 

This  question,  (if  I  may),  I  to  the  Sir* 


HERCULES  DISTRACTED;  185 

And  Consort  of  Alcides  would  propose ;  , 

(But,  as  your  King,  I.tmve  a  right  to  make 
Any  enquiries  I. think  fit)  bow  long 
Seek  ye  to  spin  out  life  ?  what  farther  hope 
Have  ye  in  view,  what  succour  to  ward  oft' 
The  stroke  of  death.?  expect  ye  that  the  Father 
Of  these  deserted  children,  who  lies  stretch'd 
Amid  the  realms  beneath  will  thence  return,    , 
That  ye  bely  yoqr  rank,  and  meanly  utter 
These  clamorous  plaints  oq  being  doomed  to  die  f 
Thro'  Greece  hast  thou  difFus'd  an  idle  boast, 
That  Jove  enjoy'd  thy  consort,  and  begot 
An  oftBpring  like  himself;  while yoti  exulted 
In  being  call'd  Wife  to  the  6rst  of  Heroes, 
fiut  what  great  action  hath  your  Lord  performed. 
In  having  slain  that  Hydra  at  the  lake. 
Or  the  Nemasan  lion  whom  with  snares 
He  caught,   and  then  did  arrogantly  boast, 
That  he  had  strangled  in  his  nervous  arms? 
Will  these  exploits  enable  you  to  vie 
With  me?  and  for  such  merit  aua*  I  bound 
To  spare  the  sons  of  Hercules,  who  gain'd 
A  name  which  be  deserved  not  ?  He  was  brave 
In  waging  war  with  beasts,  in  nought, beside,   * 
With  his  left  hand  he  never  did  sustain 
The  shield,  nor  facUhe  the  protended  spear. 
But  with  his  bow,  that  weapon  of  a  dastard, 
Was  still  prepftr'd  for  flight:  such  arms  aiford 
No  proof  of  cour/ige ;  but  the  truly  brave  —  . 
Is  he  who  in  the*  ranks  where  he  ia  station'd 
Maintains  his  ground,  and  «ees  with  steadfast  eye 
•Tho^e  ghastly  wounds  the  missile  javelin  gives. 
Old  man,  I  act  not  thus  thro'  cruelty. 
But  caution  ;  for  I  know  that  I  have  slain 
Creon  Aer  Father,  and  possess  his  throne* 
These  children  therefore  will  not  I  allow 
.  To  live  till  they  attaiq  inaturer  years,  ^ 


1S6  HERCULBS  DISTRACTEB. 

Lest  they  should  punish  me  for  such  a  deed, 

AMPHITRYON, 

Jove  will  assert  the  cause  of  his  own  Soq. 
But  as  for  me,  O  Hercules,  my  care 
Shall  be  to  prove  the  folly  of  this  Tyrant : 
For  thy  iilustriong  name  I  will  not  sufh^ 
To  be  reproach'd.    First  from  n  hateful  charge, 
(And  that  of  cowardice  I  deem  most  hateAil) 
Calling  the  Gods  to  witness,  am  I  bound 
To  vindicate  thy  honour.     I  appeal 
To  Jove's  own  thunder,  and  th'  impetuous  steeds. 
Which  drew  Alcides'  chariot  when  he  «ped  ' 

Those  winged  arrows  to  transpierce  the  flanks 
Of  earth-born  Giants,  and  among  the  Qods 
Triumphant  revell'd  at  the  genial  board. 
Go  next  to  Pholoe's  realm,  thou  worst  of  Kings, 
And  ask  the  Centaurs*  monstrous  brood,  what  man 
They  judge  t6  be  most  brave,  whether  that  title 
Belongs  not  to  my  Son,  who  only  bears. 
As  you  assert  the  semblance  of  an  hero? 
But  should  you  question  the  Euboean  mount 
Of  Dirphys,  where  your  infancy  was  nurtured, 
It  cannot  sound  your  praise :  you  have  performed 
No  glorious  action  for  your  native  land 
To  testify,  yet  scorn  that  wise  invention 
The  quiver  irangiit  with  s^hafb :  attend  to  me 
And  I  will  teach  you  wisdom.     By  his  arms 
Encumber'd,  stands  the  warrior  who  is  sheathed 
In  ponderous  mail,  and  thro'  the  fears  of  those 
Who  fight  in  the  same  rank,  if  they  Want  courage. 
Loses  iiis  life ;  dor,  jf  his  spear  be  broken. 
Furnished  with  nought  but  courage,  from  his  breiijK 
Can  he  repel  the  wound;  but  he  who  bends 
With  skilful  hand  the  bpw,  hath  this  advantage^ 
Which  never  fails  hin^  f  with  a  thousand  shafts 
He  smi(e4  the  foe,  no  (langer  to  hinpself 
Incurring,  but  securely  stands  aloofj 


HERCULES  DTSTRACTED.  ii 

^Dct  wreaks  liis  vengeance  while  they  gaze  around, 
"^Vitlioul  perceiving  whence  ihe  iveapun  cornea ; 
His  person  he  exposes  not,  bui  takes 
A  guarded  post :  j'or  what  in  war  displuvs 
The  grfatest  prudence,  is  to  vex  the  I'ue, 
Nor  rush  at  random  on  their  pointed  spears. 
Such  reasoning  on  the  subject  in  debate 
With  yours  imleed  agrees  not:  but  what  caitse 
Have  you  for  wishing  to  desiroy  these  children  i 
How  have  they  injur'd  youf  In  one  respect 
I  deem  you  wise,  because  you  dread  ihe  race 
Of  valiant  men,  and  feel  yourself  a  coward ; 
Yet  is  it  hard  on  us,  if  we  must  bleed 
Your  apprehensions  to  remove  ;  you  ought 
To  sufTer  all  we  would  intiicf,  from  us 
Whose  merit  is  superior  far  to  yours, 
Were  Jove  inipartiul.     Would  you  therefore  wield 
The  sceptre  of  this  latid,  let  us  depart 
As  exiles  from  ilie  realm,  or  you  shall  meet 
With  strict  retaliation,  when  the  gaks 
Of  wavering  foriutie  »lter.     O  thou  land 
Of  Cadmus,  (fnr  to  thee  I  now  will  speak^ 
Elut  in  reproachful  accents,)  such  protection 
Aiford'st  thou  lo  the  soqs  of  Hercules, 
Who  (4)  singly  warring  with  the  numerous  host 
Of  Minyse,  caua'd  ibe  Thebans  to  lift  up 
Their  free-born  eye«  undaunted?  I  on  Greece 
fio  praises  can  bestow,  nor  will  pass  over 


(4)  The  people  here  apnken  ilT'  inhabited  a  dtatrict  or  Btrotia,  anif 
were  firat  called  Minyic,  frnin  their  King  Miiiyai,  the  Grandaon  oT 
Neptune,  and  afU-rwards  OrchDnieniaita,  from  Otchpmenus,  tliesonand 
piceenor  of  Minj'aa.  Homer  has  united  Uie  names,  and,  in  his  liat  of 
Ifae  Grerinn  fleet,  il  nn  0[^q.im(  Hnuniai  are  deaeribed  as  rollowiitg  the 
banners  of  Aitcalaphua  lo  liie  siege  of  Troy,  while  the  rest  of  the  Bttit- 
bUH  arc  commanded  by  Pcneleiis.  By  a  paasage  from  Diodnnu  SiaihiSr 
reftrrcd  to  by  Dr.  jHnsgrave  in  hia  note,  it  appears  that  Hercules  artunlly 
obtained  this  victory  oier  tlie  Minyani,  not  indeed  hy  his  own  sinele 
sno,  but  inllie  capacity  of  a  private  man  leading  a  body  of  bis  friends. 


ts6  HERCULES  DISTRACTEB. 

Lest  they  should  punish  me  for  such  a  deed, 

AMPHITRYON, 
Jove  will  assert  the  cause  of  his  own  Soq. 
But  as  for  me,  O  Hercules,  my  care 
Shall  be  to  prove  the  folly  of  this  Tyrant: 
For  thy  iilustrions  name  I  will  not  sufh^ 
To  be  reproached.     First  from  n  hateful  charge, 
(And  that  of  cowardice  I  deem  most  hatefnl) 
Calling  the  Gods  to  witness,  am  I  bound 
To  vindicate  thy  honour.     I  appeal 
To  Jove's  own  thunder,  and  th'  impetuous  steeds. 
Which  drew  Alcides*  chariot  when  he  sped  ' 

Those  winged  arrows  to  transpierce  the  flanks 
Of  earth-born  Giants,  and  among  the  Qodft 
Triumphant  revell'd  at  the  genial  board. 
Go  next  to  Pholoe's  realm,  thou  worst  of  Kings, 
And  ask  the  Centaurs'  monstrous  brood,  what  mao 
They  judge  to  be  most  brave,  whether  that  title 
Belongs  not  to  my  Son,  who  only  bears. 
As  you  assert  the  semblance  of  an  hero  ? 
But  should  you  question  the  Euboean  mount 
Of  Dirphys,  where  your  infancy  was  nurtured, 
It  cannot  sound  your  praise :  you  have  perform'd 
No  glorious  action  for  your  native  land 
To  testify,  yet  scorn  that  wise  invention 
The  quiver  fraught  with  shafts :  attend  to  me 
And  I  wil)  teach  you  wisdom.     By  his  arms 
£ncumber'd|  stands  the  warrior  who  is  sheathed 
In  ponderous  mail,  and  thro'  the  fears  of  those 
Who  fight  in  the  same  rank,  if  they  Want  courage. 
Loses  his  life ;  nor,  \f  his  spear  be  broken. 
Furnished  with  nought  but  courage,  from  his  bre^jst 
Can  he  repel  the  wound;  but  he  who  bends 
With  skilful  hand  the  bpw,  hath  this  advantage^ 
Which  never  fails  hio^  f  with  a  thousand  shafts 
He  smites  the  foe,  no  (langer  to  hinpself 
Incurring!  but  securely  stands  aloofj 


188  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

In  silence  its  base  treatment  of  my  Son,  ,» 

For  'twas  its  duty  in  these  children's  cause, 

Bearing  flames,  pointed  spears,  and  glittering* mail, 

To  have  march'd  forth,  and  recompens'd  the  toils 

Of  their  great  Father,  w4io  hath  purg'd  the  sea 

And  land  from  all  its  monsters.     Such  protection* 

Nor  doth  the  Theban  ciiy,  0  my  childi-en, 

Nor  Greece  aflbrd  you :  but  ye  now  look  up 

To  me  a  feeble  friend  who  can  do  nought. 

But  plead  for  you  with  unavailing  woiids. 

For  all  the  vigour  which  I  oiice  possessM 

Hath  now  deserted  me ;  old  age  assails 

My  trembling  limbs  and  Xhh  decrepid  frame. 

Were  I  again  endued  with  youthful  strength, 

I  would  snatch  up  my  javelin,  and  defile 

With  gore  the  yellow  ringlets  on  the  head 

Of  that  Oppressor,  whom  his. fear  should  drive  .      • 

Beyond  the  most  remote  Atlantic  bounds*    .  .    V 

CHORUS.  ^ 

Are  there  not  causes  such  as  may  provoke 
Those  who  are  virtuous  to  express  their  thoughts, 
Tho'  destitute  of  eloquence  ?  .     ■  ^ 

LYCUS.  •     1 

'Gainst  me 
Speak  what  thou  wilt,  for  thou  art  arm*d  with  words,' 
But  for  injurious  language  by  my  deeds 
Will  I  requite  thee. .  Go,  send  woodmen,  some 
To  Helicon,  some  to  Parnassus'  vale,  v 
Bid  them  fell  knotted  oaks,  and  having  borne  them 
Into,  the  city,  heap  their  poiMerous.trunks 
Around  the  altar,  and  with  kindled  fiames 
Cbhsume  the  bodies  of  this  hated  race; 
So  shall  they  learn  that  Creon  the  deceased 
Ho  longer  is  the  ruler  of  this;  land. 
But  that  I  wield  the  sceptre.    As  for  you 
Who  thwart  my  counsels,  O  ye  aged  men. 
Not  foi:  the  Spns  pf  Hercules,  alojie 


HERCULES  DISTRACTED.  I89 

Shall  ye  lament^  but  for  those  evil  fortunes 
Which  ye  and  your  own  bouse  are  doom'd  to,  suffer :.  : 
But  this  shall  ye  remember,  that  to  me 
Your  M onjarcb,  ye  are  Slaves- 

CHORUS. 

O  ye  the  race 
Of  Earth,  wbom  Mars  erst  ^w/d,  when  he  bad  torp  * 
From  the  huge  Dragon's  jaws  th'  envenom'd  teeth. 
With  those  right  hands  why  will  ye  not  uplift 
The  staves  on  which  ye  Iean»  and  with. his  gore 
Defile  the  head  of  this  unrighteous  man. 
Not  born  at  Thebes,  but  in  a  foreign  realm, 
From  inconsiderate  youths  who  gains  that  homage 
Which  he  deserves  not  ?  but  in  evil  hour 
0*er  me  shak  thou  bear  rule,  nor  shall  uiy  wealth 
Acquired  by  many  toils  be  ever  thine ; 
Go,  act  the  tyrant  in  Eubcea's  land, 
from  whence  thou  hither  cam'st :  for  while  I  live. 
The  Sons  of  Hercules  thou  ne'er  shalt  slay, 
Nor  is  their  mighty  Father  plung'd  so  deep 
Beneath  earth's  surface,  that. he  cannot  he^r 
His  children's  outcries.  ,  Thou  to  whom  this  land    ^ 
Owes  its  destruction  dost  possess  the  throne : 
13ut^le  its  benefactor  is  depriv'd 
Of  the  rewards  he  merits.     Me  thou  deem'st 
Officious,  for  protecting  those  I  love 
E'en  in  the  grave,  where  friei>ds  are  needed  most. 
O  my  right  arm^  how  dost  thou  wish  to  wield 
The  spear,  but  thro'  enfeebling  age  hast* lost 
Thy  vigour  -.else  would  I  have.queird  thy  pride 
Who  dar'st  to  call  me  slave,  and  in  this  Thebes, 

Wliere  thou  exult'st,  with  glory  dwelt.     A  city 

Diseas'd  thro'  mutiny  and  evil  counsels 

Is  void  of  wisdona,  or  would  ne'er  have  chdseii 

Thee  for  its  lord* 

MEOARA. 

.Ye  veterans,  I  applaud 


HrO  HERCtllLfiS  disTracteb: 

Your  zeal :  for  indignation  at  the  wrongs 

His  friends  endure  becomes  the  virtuous  friend* 

But  let  not  angejr 'gainst  your  lord  expose  yon 

To  suffer  in  our  cause.     My  judgement  hear, 

Amphitryon,  if  to  thee  in  aught  f  seem 

To  speak  discreetly.     I  these  children  love, 

(And  how  can  I  help  loving  those  I  bore?) 

For  whom  t  have  endur'd  the  painful  threes 

Of  chil<lbirth.     And  to  die  is  what  I  think  of 

As  of  a  thing  most  dreadful :  but  the  man 

Who  with  necessity  contends  I  hold 

An  ideot.     But  let  us,  since  die  we  must, 

Not  perish  in  the  flames  to  furnish  scope 

Of  laughter  to  our  foes,  which  I  esteem 

An  ill  beyond  c^en  death :  for  much  is  doe 

To  the  unsullied  honour  of  our  house. 

For  thee  who  erst  in  trms  hast  gain'd  renown. 

To  die  with  cowardice,  were  a  reproach 

Not  to  be  borne.     My  Lord,  tho'  I  forbear 

To  dwell  on  his  just  praises,  is  so  noble, 

He  would  not  wish  these  children  sav'd,  to  bear 

The  imputation  of  an  evij  name  : 

For  thro*  the  conduct  of  degejierate  sons 

Reproach  oft  falls  on  their  illustrious  sires ; 

And  the  examples  which  my  Husband  gave  mc, 

I  ought  not  to  reject.     But  view  what  grounds 

Thou  hast  for  hope,  that  I  of  these  may  form 

A  proper  estimate.     Dost  thou  expect 

Thy  Son  to  issue  from  the  realms  beneath  ? 

What  chief  deceas'd  from  Pluto's  loath'd  abode 

Did  e'er  return?  can  we  by  gentle  words 

Appease  this  Tyrant?  No:  we  ought  to  fly 

From  fools  who  are  our  foes;  but  to  the  wise 

And  generous  yield :  for  we  with  greater  ease 

May  make  a  friend  of  him  in  whom  we  find 

A  sense  of  virtuous  shame.     But  to  my  soul 

This  thought  occui-s,  that  we,  the  children's  sentence^ 


HfiRCULES  DISTRACTED. 


191 


By  our  entreaties,  hfipiv  might  obtuiu 
.Converted  into  exile  ;  yet  this  too 
Is  wretched,  at  th'  expence  ot"  piteous  need 
To  compass  our  deliverance.     For  their  (■'riends 
Avoid  the  face  of  guests  like  these,  and  look 
No  longer  kindly  on  the  banish'd  man 
(5)  After  one  day  is  over.     Kouse  tiiy  courage. 
And  bleed  with  us,  thee  loo,  since  death  awaits. 
By  thy  great  soul,  O  Veteran,  1  conjure  thee. 
Although  the  man  who  labours  to  repel 
Evils  inflicted  by  Heaven's  wrath,  is  brave, 
Yet  doth  sucli  courage  border  upoti  frenzy : 
Fur  what  the  Fates  ordnin,  no  Gud  con  frustrate. 

CHORUS. 
While  yel  these  arms  retain'd  their  youthful  strength, 
Had  any  one  insulted  thee,  with  ease 
Could  1  have  quell'd  hitn ;  but  I  now  am  nothing : 
On  thee,  Amphitryon,  therefore  'tis  incumbent 
To  think  how  best  thou  may'st  henceforth  ward  otF 
Th'  assaults  of  Fortune. 

AMPHITRYON. 

No  unmanly  fear. 
No  wish  to  lengthen  out  this  life,  prevents 
My  voluntary  death:  but  I  would  save 
The  children  of  my  Son,  though  I  appear 
To  grasp  at  things  impossible.     Behold 
I  bare  my  bosom  to  the  swurd  ;  pierce,  slay, 
Or  cast  me  from  the  rock.     But  [,  O  King, 
For  this  one  favour  sue  to  you ;  dispatch 
Me  and  this  hapless  Dame  before  the  children, 

(5)  By  making  use  of  Uie  term  uf  "  a  single  day'  the  Foct  seenu  too 
Mcb  to  narmw  Ibe  t>oiuiJs  of  antient  hospitality.  In  Hoiaer  we  find, 
tint  when  Bellorophon  t-aiue  to  l^cia,  bearing  with  him  tbe  leltan  of 
PnetiLi,  wlucb  ilirccted  tlmt  some  meoiu  sbonkl  be  dtvi^eil  lor  putliuf 
ikt  to  death,  tlie  Kin^  of  that  country,  wlioin  we  coiled  to  havu  b 
w  utter  stranger,  feasted  him  siiiu|)tuoiuly  lor  iiiue  socceuive  dayi, 
wltfauat  iiMkiiig  any  enquiries  into  the  errand  on  wliicb  he  caaK, : 
irbjed  flslung  for  hij  credenliabi  till  tiK  teuth  momiag. 


igc  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

Lest  them  we  view,  most  execrable  sigbt, 

In  death's  convulsive  pangs,   to  her  who  bore  them, 

And  me  their  Grandsire,  shrieking  out  for  aid. 

But  as  for  all  beside,  do  what  you  list, 

For  we  have  now  no  bulwark  which  from  death 

Can  save  us. 

MEGARA. 

I  entreat  one  favour  more, 
» Which  to  us  both  will  equally  be  grateful. 
Permit  me  in  funereal  robes  to  dress 
My  Children  ;  for  that  purpose  be  the  gates 
Thrown  open,  (for  the  palace  now  is  clos'd 
A&:ain6t  us)  that  they  from  their  Father's  bouse 
This  small  advantage  may  obtain. 
v'  •    •  'LYCUS.  ■  • 

Your  wishes ' 
Shall  he  complied  with.     I  my  servants  bid 
Unbar  the  gates.     Go  in,  bedeck  yourselves ;    . 
The  costly  robes  I  grudge  not:  but  no  sooner    -  > 

Shall  ye  have  put  them  on,  than  I  to  you 
Will  come,  and  plunge  you  in  the  shades  beneath. 

\^Exit  LYCUS, 
MEGARA. 

Follow  your  hapless  Mother,  O  my  Children, 
To  your  paternal  house,  where,  tho'  our  wealth 
Be  in  the  hands  of  others,  our  great  name 
We  still  preserve. 

AMPHITRYON. 

O  Jove,  'twas  then  in  vain 
That  thou  didst  deign  to  share  my  nuptial  couch. 
In  vain  too,  of  thy  Son  have  I  been  styl'd 
TJie  Father,  for  thou  hast  not  prov'd  the  friend 
Thou  didst  appear  to  be.     I,  tho'  a  man. 
Exceed  in  virtue  thee  a  mighty  God; 
Because  I  to  their  foes  have  not  betra^d 
The  sons  of  Hercules :  but  thou,  by  siealtb> 
Entering  my  chamber,  to  another's  wife 


HBUCtLl^S  DISTRACTED.  igs 

Withoat  permission  cir^'st;  y^t  kMw'st  not  h6tt 
To  save  thy  friends :  thoo*  surely  art  a  God 
Either  devoid  of  wisdom,  or  unjust. 

[Eretifit  aMi*hithy6n  and  megaka, 

CHORUS. 

O    D    £. 

I.  I. 
For  Linus'  death,  by  all  the  tiineTuI  Nine 

Bewail'd,  doth  Phoebus'  self  coniplaini 
And  loudly  uttering  his  auspicibiis  strain  (f))^ 
Smite  with  a  goldeii  quill  the  lyre  :  but'rnihe 
Shall  be  the  fasl^,  while  sorigs  of  praise 
I  chant  and  twine  the  laufteaC  \Vreath, 
His  matchless  fortitude  t*  eiribfaze. 
Who  sought  heirs  inmost  gk>omy  the   dreary  shades 
beneath ; 
Whether  I  call  the  tfero  son  of  Jove,. 
Or  of  Amphitryon;  for  the  fame 
To  which  his  labours  have  so  just  a  claim,    , 
Must  e'en  in  death  attract  tl>e  public  love' : 
In  the  Nemaean  fojest  first  he  slew 

That  Lion  huge,  whose  tawny  hide 
And  grinning  jaws  extended  wide^ 
He  o'er  his  shoulders-  threw. 

L   3* 
The  wii^gt^d  aiT6ws^wlrizBing  froiti  hi!s  bowy 
Did  on.  theilr'  native  hiUs  eonfovfid 

(6)  Instead  ef maiWg'toyAttefatidtf  itf tJk  ^^fM*iiAi>in;^i\t  JiftWkius 
and  Dr.  Musgrave,  wfaidh"IsbM«t«Olllf' hkv^  d<Mfe^  r^tiMl-  than  adopt 
the  opinions  of  J£iittlii«  Portusy  Bames,  and  GanfaeUi^  in  considering 
tliis  passage  as  ah  instance  of  the  word  AiXiw  being  nsed  for  songs  of  joy 
as  well  as  sorrow ;  I  look  upon  tie"  epithet 'fu1iyx«  as  applicable  only  to 
the  harmonious  tones  of  the  song  itself,  and  not  the  natare  of  the  theme 
which  occasions  it,  and  have  the  pleasure  of  finding  the  two  antient 
tatinversiohsof  bof.  Caraiirus  and  Melancthon,  boUi  making  use  of 
ffie'vefy  saine  words,  cantum  lugubrem  quidem  felici  cantione  :  this  ac- 
COimf  of  the  labours  of  Hercules  accordingly  closes  with  his  descent  to 
tlie  infernal  regions^  ^lence  the  Chorus  suppose  he  b  nevef  to  return. 

VOL.  HI.  O 


194  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

The  Centaurs'  race  with  maoy  a  deadly  wound  : 
Alcides'  matchless  strength  doth  Peneus  know, 
Distinguish'd  by  his  limpid  waves. 
The  fields  laid  waste  of  wide  extent. 
With  Pelion,  and  the  neighbouring  caves 
Of  Homoles,  uprooting  from  whose  steep  ascent. 
Tall  pines  that  cast  a  venerable  shade, 
The  monsters  arm'd  their  forceful  hands. 
And  strode  terrific  o'er  Thessalia's lands: 
Then  breathless  on  th'  ensanguin'd  plain  he  laid 
That  Hind  distinguish'd  by  her  golden  horns. 
And  still  in  Dian's  temple  seen 
His  prize,  to  glad  the  Huntress  Queen, 
Oenoe's  walls  adorns. 

II.  1- 

The  chariot  with  triumphal  ensigns  graced 
Ascending,  to  his  stronger  yoke 

He  Diomedes'  furious  coursers  broke, 

Scorning  the  bit,  in  hateful  stalls  who  plac'd 
By  their  fell  lord,  the  flesh  of  man 
Raging  devour'd,  accursed  food ; 

A  stream  from  their  ibul  mangers  ran, 
Fill'd  with  unholy  gore,  and  many  a  gobbet  crude. 

O'er  Hebrus'  silver  tide  at  the  command 
Of  Argos'  unrelenting  King 

Eurystheus,  he  these  captive  steeds  did  bring, 

(7)  Close  to  Anauros'  mouth  on  Pelion's  strand. 

Inhuman  Cycnus,  Son  of  Mars,  next  felt 
The  force  of  his  resounding  bow. 
Unsocial  wretch,  the  stranger's  foe. 
Who  in  Amphanea  dwelt. 


(7)  The  river  Ananros  in  Thessaly  flowed  into  tlie  dea  near  lolcboB,  in 
the  province  of  Magnesia :  tliough  we  meet  with  accounts  of  this  river 
in  the  Poets,  we  cannot  wonder  at  its  being  omitted  by  many  of  the 
antient  Geographers,  when  we  recollect  Hs  being  a  stream  of  very  in- 
considerable width.    Apolkwias  Rhodius  speaks  of  Jason's  fording  it^ 


HERCULES  DISTRACTED.  Kjs 

II.  2.  '  ^ 

Then  came  he  to  th'  harmooious  Nymphs,  that  band 

Who  in  Hesperian  gardens  hold 
Their  station^  where  the  vegetative  gold 
Glows  in  the  fruitage;  with  resistless  hand 

To  snatch  the  Apple  from  its  height ; 

The  Dragon  wreath'd  his  folds  around 

The  tree's  huge  trunk,  portentous  sight, 
In  vain :  that  monster  fell  trausfix'd  with  many  a  wound. 
Into  those  straits  of  the  unfathom'd  main 

He  enter'd^  with  auspicious  gales. 
Where  fear*d  the  mariner  t'  unfurl  his  sails. 
And  fixing  limits  to  the  watery  plaiti 
His  Columns  rear'd:  then  from  the  Heaven's  huge  load 

The  wearied  Atlas  he  reliev'd. 

His  arm  the  starry  realms  upheav'd. 
And  propp'd  the  Gods'  abode. 

HI.   1. 
Foe  to  the  Amazons'  equestrian  race 

He  crossed  the  boisterous  Euxine  tide. 
And  g€ave  them  battle  by  Mseotis*  side. 
What  friends  thro'  Greece  collected  he  to  face 
Hippohta,  th'  intrepid  maid. 
That  he  the  (S)  belt  of  Mars  might  gain. 
And  tissuled  rube  with  golden  braid. 
Still  doth  exulting  Greece  the  virgin's  spoils  retain,  , 

without  experiencing  any  other  inconveniences  than  the  losing  of  one  of 
his  sandals  in  tlie  mnd :  Hesiod  however  says,  that  its  floods  in  winter 
rose  to  such  a  height  as  utterly  tp  deface  the  monument  of  Cygnus, 
erected  near  its  banks.  The  derivation  of  the  word  Auauros  is  illus- 
trated in  the  foHovving  lines  by  Lucan  : 

Quiqne  ncc  hnmcntes  nebula^  nee  rore  madentem 

Aera,  nee  tenues  ventos  suspirat  lU^uros. 

^  No  breezy  air  near  calm  Anauros  flies, 

"  No  dewy  mists,  nor  fleecy  clouds  arise.**  RowE. 

(9)  Hippolita,  according  to  the  passage  of  ApoUodorus,  referred  to 
by  Banies,  wore  tlie  belt  of  Mars  as  a  token  of  her  superiority  ia  war, 

O  2 


196  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

.    Lodg'd  in  Mycene's  shrine,  with  gore  imbrued. 
The  Dog  of  Lerna's  marshy  plain. 
Who  unresisting  muUitudes  had  slain. 
The  hundred-headed  Hydrs^  he  subdued. 
Aided  by  fire,  and  winged  shafts  combin'd. 
These  from  his  well-stored  quiver  flew. 
And  triple-form'd  Geryon  slew. 
Fierce  Erythraea's  hind. 

III.   2. 
But  having  finished  each  adventurous  strife. 

At  length  in  evil  hour  he  steers 
To  Pluto^s  mansion,  to  the  house  of  tears. 
The  goal  of  labour,  there  to  end  his  life. 

Thence  never  never  to  return  : 

His  friends  dismay'd  forsake  these  gates. 

In  hopeless  solitude  we  mourn. 
Hell's  stern  award  is  pass'd,  the  boat  of  Charon  waits 
To  their  eternal  home  his  sons  to  bear. 

Most  impious  lawless  homicide !  ' 
For  thee,  O  Hercules,  thee  erst  bis  pride. 
Thy  Sire  now  looks  with  impotent  despair. 
Had  I  the  strength  which  I  possess'd  of  yore, 

I  with  my  Theban  friends,  array'd 

In  brazen  arms,  thy  sons  would  aid  : 
But  youth's  blest  days  are  o'er. 

Clad  in  funereal  vestments  I  behold 
The  Children  of  Alcides  erst  the  great. 
With  his  lov'd  Wife  and  his  decrepid  Sire 
Conducting  them.     O  wretched  me !    no  longer 
Can  I  restrain  the  fountain  of  these  tears 
Which  gush  incessant  from  my  aged  eyes.^ 

MEGARA,  AMPHITRYON,  CHORUS- 

MEGARA. 

Come  on.    What  Priest,  what  Butcher  is  at  hand 
To  slay  these  wretched  children,  or  transpierce 


HERCULES  DISTRACTED.  197 

My  bosom  ?  Now  the  victims  stand  prepar'd 

For  their  descent  to  Pluto's  loath'd  abode. 

By  force,  my  children,  are  we  borne  along 

United  in  th'  unseemly  bands  of  death ; 

Decrepid  age  with  helpless  infancy 

And  intermingled  matrons,     O  dire  fate 

Of  me  and  of  my  sons,  whom  these  sad  eyes 

Shall  never  more  behold  !  alas  I  bore, 

I  nurtured  you,  to  be  the  scorn,  the  sport. 

Of  our  inveterate  foes,  and  by  their  hands 

To  perish.     Each  fond  hope,  which  from  the  words 

Of  your  departed  Father  erst  I  form'd, 

Hath  prov'd  fallacious.    The  deceased  to  (Q)  thee 

Allotted  Argos,  in  Enrystheus  palace 

Wert  thou  to  dwell  a  mighty  Wng,  aad.  wield 

The  sceptre  of  Pelasgia's  fruitful  land. 

Then  with  the  Lion's  bide  himself  had  worn 

Thy  front  liie  cover'd  :  you  w^re  to  ascend 

The  throne  of  Thebes  for  brazen  chariots  fam'd, 

Possessing  my  hereditary  fields, 

Such  were  the  hopes  of  your  exulting  Sire, 

Who  to  your  hand  consigned  that  ponderous  mace 

Deceitful  gift  of  Daedalus  :  on  thee, 

Thou  little  one,  he  promised  to  bestow 

Oecalia,  which  his  shafts  had  erst  laid  waste: 

To  you  all  three,  these  realms  in  threefold  portions 

Did  he  distribute;  for  your  Father's  views 

Were  all  magnanimous:  but  I  mark'd  out 

Selected  Consorts  for  you,  and  form'd  schemes 

Of  new  affinities,  from  the  domains 

Of  Athens,  Sparta,  and  the  Theban  city ; 

(9)  The  names  of  these  three  sons  of  Hercules ;  Theriniachns,  Creon- 
tiades,  and  I>eicoon,  which  I  find  inserted  by  Banies  in  his  Latin  ver- 
sion, and  by  Biiimoy  in  a  marginal  note,  arc  taken  it  seems  from  Apol- 
lodorus,  for  Euripides  himself  does  not  once  mention  eitlier  of  them. 
See  Freinshemu,  Snppl.  Livian,  L.  13f ,  c.  46,  iivhere  Antony  in  a  simi* 
lar  manner  talks  of  portioning  out  kingdoms  among  hid  children  by 
Cleopatra* 


198  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

That  binding  up  your  cables,  and  secure 
From  the  tempestuous  deep,  ye  might  enjoy 
A  happy  life :  these  prospects  now  are  vanifih'd : 
For  to  your  arms  hath  changeful  Fortune  given 
The  Destinies  to  be  yonr  brides,  while  tears 
Are  your  unhappy  Mother's  lustral  drops. 
Your  Grandsire  celebrates  the  nuptial  feast. 
O'er  which  he  summons  Pluto  to  preside, 
The  Father  of  your  Consorts.     But,  alas  ! 
Whom  first  of  you  my  children,  or  whom  last 
To  this  fond  bosom  shall  I  clasp,  on  whom 
Bestow  a  kiss,  whom  in  my  arms  sustain  ? 
How  like  the  bee  with  variegated  wings 
Shall  I  collect  the  sorrows  of  you  all. 
And  blend  the  whole  together  in  a  6ood 
Of  tears  exhaustless  ?  O  my  dearest  Lord> 
If  any  of  those  spirits  who  reside 
In  Pluto's  realms  beneath,  can  hear  the  voice 
Of  mortals,  in  these  words  to  thee  I  speak  ; 

0  Hercules,  thy  Father,  and  thy  Sons 
Are  doom'd  to  bleed,  I  perish  too  who  erst 
On  thy  account  was  by  the  world  calFd  happy. 
Protect  us,  come,  and  to  these  eyes  appear, 
Tho'  but  a  ghost;  thy  presence  will  suffice: 

For  these  thy  children's  mutderers,  when  with  thee 
Compar'd^  are  dastards. 

AMPHITPRYON. 

To  appease  the  Powers 
Of  Hell  beneath,  O  Woman,  be  thy  care. 
But  lifting  to  the  skies  my  suppliant  hands, 

1  call  on  thee,  O  Jove,  ^that,  if  thou  mean 
To  be  a  friend  to  these  deserted  children. 
Thou  interpose  without  deliiy  and  save  them. 
For  sooti  '^twill  be  no  longer  in  thy  power: 
Thou  oft  hast  been  invok'd;  but  all  my  prayers 
Are  ineffectual;  die,  it  reems,  we  must. 

But,  O  ye  aged  men,  the  bliss  which  life 


HERCULES  DISTRACTED.  199 

Can  yield  is  small^  contrive  then  how  to  pass 
As  sweetly  as  is  possible  the  hours 
Which  fate  allots  you,  e'en  from  morn  till  night 
Shaking  off  every  grief:  for  Time  preserves  not 
Our  hopes  entire,  but  on  his  own  pursuits 
Intent,  deserts  us>  borne  on  rapid  wings. 
Look  but  on  me,  amid  the  sons  of  men 
Conspicuous  erst  performing  glorious  deeds ;      ' 
And  yet  hath  Fortune  in  one  single  day 
Taken  all  from  nie,  like  a  feather  wafted 
Into  the  trackless  air.     I  know  riot  him 
To  whom  collected  stores  of  wealth  or  fame 
Are  durable.     Farewell,  for  this,  my  comrades. 
Is  the  last  time  ye  shall  behold  your  friend. 

HERCULES,  MEGARA,  AMPHITRYON,    . 

CHORUS. 

MEGARA. 

Ha!  O  thou  aged  Man,  do  I  behold 
My  dearest  Husband  ?  how  shall  I  find  utterance? 

Amphitryon^ 

I  know  not,  O  my  Daughter ;  for  I  too 
Am  with  amazement  seiz'd. 

IHEGARA. 

This  sure  is  he 
Who  as  we  heard  was  in  the  realms  beneath ;     - 
Else  doth  some  vision  in  the  noon-tide  8:lare 
Delude  our  senses.     But  what  frantic  words 
Were  those  I  spoke  as  if  'twas  all  a  dream  ? 
This  is  no  other  than  thy  real  Son, 
Thou  aged  Man.     Come  hither,  O  my  Child ren^^ 
Cling  to  your  Father's  robe,  with  speed  advance^ 
Quit  not  your  hold,  for  ye  in  him  shall  find 
An  equal  to  our  great  protector  Jove. 

HERCULES. 
All  hail,  thou  mansion,  and  thou  vestibule 
Of  my  abode;  thee  with  what  joy  once  more* 


400  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

Do  I  behold,  revisiting  the  light. 
Ha !  what  hath  happen'4  ?  I  my  Children  see 
With  garlands  on  their  temples,  and  my  Wife 
Amidst  a  throng  of  men,  my  Father  too 
Weeping  for  some  mischance,     I'll  go  to  them. 
And  ask  the  cause.     What  recent  ill,  O  woman. 
Hath  happen'd  to  this  house  ? 

M^GARA. 

My  dearest  Lord, 

O  thou  who  to  thy  aged  Father  com'st 
A  radiant  light,  in  safety  hast  thou  reach'd. 
At  this  important  crisis,  the  abodes 
Of  thoae  thou  lov'st, 

HERCULES. 
What  mean  you  by  these  words  ? 
Wh^t  tumults,  O  my  Sire,  are  we  invQlv'd  in  i 

MEGARA. 

We  are  undone :  but,  0  thou  aged  Man, 
Forgive,  if  I've  anticipated  that 
Thou  would'st  have  said  to  him  :  for  in  some  poipts 
Our  sex  are  greater  objects  of  compassion 
Than  males.     I  deenji  my  children  d^^id,  I  too 
Am  perishing. 

H^RCULPS. 
O  Phoebus !  with  what  preludes 

Do  you  begin  your  speech  f 

IWEQARA. 

My  valiant  brothers. 

And  aged  Sire,  alas!   are  now  no  t^qx^^ 

UPRCULES. 
Who  slew  them^  how,  or  with  what  weapon  ? 

MEGARA. 

Lycus, 

The  monarch  of  tljis  city,  was  tl^^ir  murderer* 

HERCULES. 

With  arms  did  he  oppose  them,  or  p^^vail. 

When  foi^l  sedition  throf  tjbe  l^jicj  (Ji^Ms'tl 


HERCULES  DISTRACTED.  201 

Its  pestilent  cootagion  i 

MEGARA*. 

By  revolt 
He  holds  the  sceptre  of  the  Theban  realm, 

HERCULES. 

But  wherefore  hath  this  sudden  panic  reach'd 
You  and  my  aged  Sire  f 

MEGARA. 

He  would  have  slain 
Thy  Father,  roe,  aud  these  defenceless  children, 

HERCULES. 

What  mean  you?  could  he  fear  my  orphan  race? 

MEGARA. 

Lest  they  hereafter  might  avenge  the  death 
Of  Cieon. 

JHE^tCULES. 
But  what  garb  is  this  they  wear, 
Which  suits  some  corse  ? 

MEGARA* 

Already  in  these  vestments 
For  our  funereal  rites  are  we  array'd. 

HERCVLES. 

And  were  ye  on  the  point  of  perishing 
By  violence  ?  Ah  me ! 

MEGARA. 

Our  friends  desert  us ; 
For  we  had  heard  that  thou  wert  de^d. 

HBRCULRa. 

Whence  rose 
This  comfortlfBssi  depresaipn  of  the  soul  i 

MEGARA^ 

SuryatbeW  beralcl^  the  sad  tidings  bore, 

HERCULES. 
But  for  what  cau3a  clid  ye  fqrsake  my  hous^ 
My  g^ered  Lar«^  i 

MAGARA. 

From,  hU  bed  thy  Sire 


«02  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

Was  forcibly  diagg'd  forth. 

HERCULES. 

So  void  of  shame 
Was  Lycus  as  to  treat  his  age  with  scorn  ? 

MEGARA. 

Shame  dwells  not  near  the  shrine  of  brutal  Force. 

HERCULES. 

Were  we  thus  destitute  of  friends  when  absent? 

MEGARA. 

What  friends  abide  with  him  who  is  unhappy? 

HERCULES. 
But  did  they  scorn  the  battles  which  I  fought 
Against  the  Minyans? 

MEGARA. 

I  to  thee  repeat  it. 
Calamity  is  friendless  and  forlorn. 

HERCULES. 
Will  ye  not  cast  from  your  dishevelled  hair 
These  wreaths  of  Pluto  ?  will  ye  not  look  up 
To  yon  bright  Sun,  and  ope  your  eyes  to  view 
Scenes  far  more  pleasing  than  the  loathsome  shades 
Of  hell  beneath  ?    But  I,  for  wrongs  like  these 
Demand  my  vengeful  arm,  with  speed  will  go 
And  overturn  the  house  of  that  new  King, 
His  impious  head  I  to  the  ravenous  hounds 
Lopp'd  from  his  trunk  will  cast,  and  each  baseTheban 
Who  with  ingratitude  repays  my  kindness 
With  this  victorious  weapon  smite:  my  shafts 
The  rest^hall  scatter,  till  Ismenos'  channel 
Be  choak'd  up  with  the  corses  of  the  slain. 
And  Dirce's  limpid  fountain  stream  with  gore. 
For  whom,  in  preference  to  toy  Wife,  my  Children, 
And  aged  Father,  shall  I  aid?  Farewell, 
Ye  labours  which  unwittingly  I  strove 
T*  accomplish,  mindless  of  these  dearest  pledges; 
In  their  defence  I  equally  am  bound 
To  yield  up  life,  if  for  their  Father  they 


HERCULES  DISTRACTED.  203 

Were  dooni'd  to  bleed.     What !  shall  we  call  it  noble 

To  war  against  the  Hydra  or  the  Lion, 

And  execute  the  mandates  of  Burystheus, 

IF  I  avert  not  my  own  Children's  death  i 

No  longer  else  shall  I,  as  erst,  be  styl'd 

Alcides  the  victorious. 

CHORUS. 

It  is  just 
Parents  should  aid  their  Sons,  their  aged  Sire, 
And  the  dear  partner  of  the  nuptial  bed. 

AMPHITRYON. 

My  Son,   this  mighty  privilege  is  yours. 
To  be  the  best  of  friends  to  those  you  love, 
And  a  determined  foe  to  those  you  hate. 
But  be  not  too  impetuous. 

HERCULES. 

In  what  instance 
Have  I  been  hastier,  O  my  honour'd  Sire, 
Than  it  becomes  me  ? 

AMPHITRYON. 
To  support  his  cause, 
"fhe  King  hath  many,  who  in  fact  are  poor, 
Tho'  fame  accounts  them  rich ;  they  rais'd  a  tumult. 
And  caus'd  the  ruin  of  the  state,  to  plunder 
Their  neighbours;  for  the  fortunes  they  possessed 
Are  thro*  their  own  extravagance  and  sloth 
Keduc'd  to  nothing.     As  the  gates  you  eoter'd, 
These  could  not  fail  to  see  you  :  O  beware 
Lest  since  you  by  your  foes  have  been  perceiv'd. 
You  perish  when  you  least  foresee  your  danger^ 
Opprest  by  numbers. 

HERCULES. 

Tho'  all  Thebes  beheld  me, 
I  care  not.     But  when  I  descried  a  bird  ( (0), 

(10)  From  the  great  fttrpss  laid  by  the  antients  Augaries,  the  cir- 
cimutance  of  Hercoles  eatering  the  city  in  disguise  on  seeing  a  Bird 
•f  evil  omen,  though  he  otherwise  would  not  have  feared  all  Thebes, 


«0G  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

To  pour  forth  floods  of  tears  ;  and,  O  my  Wife, 
Collect  thyself,  let  all  thy  terrors  cease. 
And  loose  my  garments ;  for  I  have  not  wings. 
Nor  would  I  vanish  from  my  friends.     Alas ! 
Their  hold  they  quit  noi,  but  cling  faster  still, 
And  faster  to  my  vest.     Because  ye  stand 
Upon  the  vejge  of  ruin,  I  will  take 
And  bear  you  hence,  as  by  the  ship  light  boats 
Are  guided  o'er  the  deep:  for  I  refuse  not 
The  care  my  children  claim.     Here  all  mankind 
Are  on  a  level,  they  of  nobler  rank 
And  mean  condition,  to  their  progeny 
Bear  equal  love.     The  gifts  of  fortune  vary, 
Some  have  abundant  wealth,  and  some  are  poor; 
But  the  whole  human  race  feels  this  attachment. 
lExeunt  hercvlbs  a7id  megaka,  with  the  CIdldren. 

CHORUS. 

ODE. 

I. 

Youth  is  light,  and  free  from  care  ; 

But  now  a  burden  on  my  head 
.(12)  Heavier  than  ^Etna's  rock,  old  age,  I  bear. 
Before  these  eyes  its  sable  veil  is  spread. 
Not  for  the  wealth  of  (13)  Asiatic  Kings, 
Or  heaps  of  gold  that  touched  yon  roof  sublime, 
Ere  would  I  barter  life's  enchanting  prime; 

Hence  wealth  a  brighter  radiance  flings, 

(12)  Onus  iEtna  graviiis  videor  austinere.         Cicero  de  Senectote. 

(13)  "  The  poet  here  principally  marks  out  the  wealth  of  the  Persians 
*^  and  Phrygians,  But  Asia  in  general  was  so  fruitful,  that  it  was  con- 
"  sidered  as  excelling  all  other  parts  of  the  world/'  Barnes  proceeds  to 
illustrate  this  by  quotations  from  the  twelfUi  Ode  of  Horace's  second 
book,  his  own  poem  of  Esther,  Cicero's  Oration  in  defence  of  Ligarius, 
and  Mithridates'  speech  to  his  soldiers  in  Justin ;  and  by  references  to  the 
treatise  of  Usher  Archbishop  of  Armagh,  on  Asia  Minor,  and  the  ac- 
counts of  that  coiuitiy  to  be  met  with  in.  the  writings  of  the  various 
Lexicographers. 


HERCULES  DISTRACTED.  207 

And  poverty  itself  caa  charm  : 

But  thouy  curst  Dotage,  art  the  sum 

Of  every  fancied,  every  real  barm ; 

May'st  thou  be  plung'd  beneath  the  deep,  nor  come 

To  peopled  town,  or  civilis'd  abode. 
Go  wing  thy  distant  flight  along  th'  aerial  road. 

I.  2. 

Did  the  Gods  with  sapient  care 

Mete  out  their  bounty  to  mankind^ 
The  good,  the  gift  of  twofold  youth  should  share 
Unquestioned  token  of  a  virtuous  mind. 
Behold  life's  sun  its  blest  career  renew^ 
While  the  degenerate  sleep  to  wake  no  more. 
We  by  these  means  distinctly  might  explore 

Their  merits  with  as  clear  a  view, 

As  sailors,  who  each  starry  spark 

Enumerate  that  adorns  the  skies. 
But  now  the  Gods  have  by  no  certain  mark  , 
Directed  whom  we  for  their* woith  should  prize. 
Whom  shun  as  wicked :  uninformed  we  live, 
RevolvingTime  hath  nought  butplenteous  wealth  to  give* 

IL  1. 

Mindful  of  its  antient  themes. 
This  faltering  tongue  shall  ne'er  refuse, 
Oft  as  I  wander  by  their  haunted  streams. 
To  blend  each  gentle  Grace  and  tunefijl  Muse : 
O  may  I  dwell  among  th'  harmonious  choirs. 
My  brows  still  circled  with  a  laureat  wreath  ! 
Still  shall  the  Bard,  a  hoary  Veteran,  breathe 
The  strains  Mnemosune  inspires: 
While  memory  wakes,   I  ne'er  will  cease 
Th'  exploits  of  Hercules  to  sing; 
Where  Bromius  yields  the  purple  vine's  increase^ 
Where  Libyan  pipes  and  the  lute's  sevenfold  string 
Are  heard  in  dulcet  unison;  to  praise 
The  Nine  who  aid  the  dance,  I'll  wake  my  choral  lays. 


toQ  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

To  pour  forth  floods  of  tears  ',  and,  O  my  Wife, 

Collect  thyself,  let  all  thy  terrors  cease. 

And  loose  my  garments ;  for  I  have  not  wings. 

Nor  would  I  vanish  from  my  friends.     Alas ! 

Their  hold  they  quit  noi,  but  cling  faster  still, 

And  faster  to  my  vest.     Because  ye  stand 

Upon  the  veige  of  ruin,  I  will  take 

And  bear  you  hence,  as  by  the  ship  light  boats 

Are  guided  o'er  the  deep:  for  I  refuse  not 

The  care  my  children  claim.     Here  all  mankind 

Are  on  a  level,  they  of  nobler  rank 

And  mean  condition,  to  their  progeny 

Bear  equal  love.    The  gifts  of  fortune  vary, 

Some  have  abundant  wealth,  and  some  are  poor; 

But  the  whole  human  race  feels  this  attachment. 

'    lExeunt  hercvlbs  and  megaka,  with  the  C/nldren. 

CHORUS. 

ODE. 

I. 

Youth  is  light,  and  free  from  care  ; 

But  now  a  burden  on  my  head 
(12)  Heavier  than  ^Etna's  rock,  old  age,  I  bear. 
Before  these  eyes  its  sable  veil  is  spread. 
Not  for  the  wealth  of  (13)  Asiatic  Kings, 
Or  heaps  of  gold  that  touched  yori  roof  sublime, 
Ere  would  I  barter  life's  enchanting  prime ; 

Hence  wealth  a  brighter  radiance  flings, 

« 

(12)  Onus  iEtna  gravius  videor  siistinere.         Cicero  de  Senectnte. 

(13)  **  The  poet  here  principaUy  marks  oat  the  wealth  of  the  Persians 
^^  and  Plirygiaiis.  But  Asia  in  general  was  sq  fruitful,  that  it  was  con- 
"  sidered  as  excelling  all  other  parts  of  the  worhl/'  Barnes  proceeds  to 
illustrate  this  by  quotations  from  the  twelfth  Ode  of  Horace's  second 
book,  his  own  poem  of  Esther,  Dcero^s  Oration  in  defence  of  Ligariu», 
and  Mithridatcs'  speech  to  his  soldiers  in  Justin ;  and  by  references  to  the 
treatise  of  Usiier  Archbishop  of  Armagh,  on  Asia  Minor,  and  the  ac- 
coants  of  that  coimtry  to  be  met  with  in.  the  writings  of  the  various 
Lexicographers. 


.    C  J.J 


'.e. 


efDii:. 


" .  '>.  HERCULES  JDISTRACTEi).  fiOQ 

AMPHITRYON. 

To  me  she  seenis^  as  far  a3  I  can  guess^ 
from  looking  thro'  the  door— ^ 

LY€US. 

••  •.  -h  re  What  grounds  ha^st  thou 

r  or  this  dpioion  ? 

r.  1  : .  AMPHITRYON; 

In  a  suppliant  posture 
To  sft  before  the  Lares» 

LYCU9. 

And  implore  them 
With  unavailing  plaints  to  save  her  life. 

AMPHITRYON.  '  » 

In  vain  too  csdls  she  on  her  Lord  deceasM. 

LYCUS. 

But  he  is  absent^  he  can  ne'er  return-. 

AMPHITRYON. 

Unless  some  God  should  raise  him  up  again. 

LYCUS. 

iQo  thou>  and  from  the  palace  lead  her  hither. 

AMPHintYON. 

Twould  make  me  an  accomplice  in  the  murder. 
If  thi^  I  acted^ 

LYCUS; 
Since  thy  soul. recoils> 
I,  whom  such  idle  scruples  bannot  move^ 
Will  with  their  Mother  bring  the  Children  forth* 
Follow  my  steps^  my  iservants^  that  at  length 
We  may  behold  sweet  peace  succeed  our  toils. 

[Exit  LTCU8. 
AMPHITRYON. 

Depait;  for  to  that  place  the  Fates  ordain 
You  now  are  on  the  road ;  perhaps  the  sequel 
Will  be  another's  province :  but  expect, 
Since  you  have  done  amiss,  to  suffer  vengeance. 
He,  O  ye  veterans,  at  a  lucky  hour 

TOL.   HI.  p 


208  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

II.  2. 

Deljan  virgins  at  the  gate 

Assembled^  festive  Pagans  sing, 
The  triumphs  of  Latona's  son  relate, 
And  nimbly  vaulting  form  their  beauteous  ring. 
Into  thy  temple,  by  devotion  led, 
O  Phoebus,  will  I  raise  my  parting  breath  ; 
The  Swan  thus  warbles  at  the  hour  of  death : 

Tho'  hoaiy  hairs  my  cheeks  o'erspread. 

How  great  the  Hero's  generous  love. 

Whose  merits  aid  our  votive  song, 
Alcides  the  resistless  son  of  Jove ; 
Those  trophies,  which  to  noble  birth  belong 
By  him  are  all  surpassed,  bis  forceful  hand 
Restoring  peace,hath  cleans'd  this  monster-teemingland. 

LYCUS,  AMPHITRYON,  CHORUS. 

LYCtfS. 

Forth  from  the  portals  at  due  season  comes 
Amphitryon :  for  'tis  long  since  ye  were  deck'd 
In  robes,  and  trappings  such  as  suit  the  dead; 
But  go,  conamand  the  Children  and  the  Wife 
Of  Hercules  without  these  gates  t'  appear. 
Because  ye  have  engag'd  that  ye  will  die 
By  your  own  hands. 

AMPHITRYON. 

You  persecute,  O  King, 
Me  whom  aheady  Fortune  hath  made  wretched. 
And  with  sharp  taunts  insult  my  dying  race: 
Although  in  power  supreme,  you  ought  to  act 
With  moderation  :  but  since  you  impose 
This  harsh  necessity,  we  must  submit, 
And  execute  your  will. 

LYCUS. 

Where's  Mega r a  ? 
Where  are  the  Children  of  Alcmena's  Son  i 


if  ERCDLES  DISTRACTED.  fiOQ 

AMPHITRYON. 

To  me  she  seems^  as  far  ad  I  can  guess^ 
i^rom  looking  thro'  the  door— ^ 

LY€US. 

What  grounds  faa^st  thou 
For  this  opinion  ? 

AMPHITRYON. 

In  a  suppliant  posture 
To  sit  before  the  Lares» 

LYCU9. 

And  implore  them 
With  unavailing  plaints  to  sav^  her  life. 

AMPHITRYON.  • 

In  vain  too  csdls  she  on  her  Lord  deceased. 

LYCUS. 

But  he  is  absent^  he  can  ne'er  return; 

AMPHITRYON; 
Unless  some  God  should  raise  him  up  ^ain. 

LYCUS. 

Go  thou>  and  from  the  palf^ce  lead  her  hither. 

AMPHintYON. 

'Twould  make  me  an  accomplice  in  the  murder. 
If  thid  I  acted. 

LYCUS; 
Since  thy  iBoul.recoils> 
\f  whom  such  idle  scruples  bannot  move. 
Will  with  their  Mother  bring  the  Children  forth* 
Follow  my  steps;  my  iiervanta>  that  at  length 
We  may  behold  sweet  peace  succeed  our  toils. 

[£rt/  LTCU8. 
AMPHITRYON. 

Depait;  for  to  that- place  the  Fates  ordain 
You  now  are  on  the  road ;  perhaps  the  sequel 
Will  be  another's  province :  but  expect, 
Since  you  have  done  amiss,  to  suffer  vengeance. 
He,  O  ye  veterans,  at  a  lucky  hour 

TOL.   HI.  p 


212  HERCDLES  DISTRACTED* 

Whose  kind  protection  we  invoke, 
Deigning  with  pity  'to  behold 
Our  woes,  to  the  neglected  laws  their  strength 
Restoriagi  with  vindictive  fury  broke - 
The  (15)  sable  car  which  bore  the  God  of  Gold. 

IL  1. 
Now  let  the  flowery  wreath,  the  victor's  pride. 
Adorn  Ismenos  i  let  each  street  employ 
The  hours  in  dance  and  social  joy ; 
Let  Dirce  from  the  silver  wave  arise. 
And  old  Asopus'  daughters  by  her  side^ 
Forsaking  their  paternal  stream, 
Corlspire  to  aid  our  rapturous  theme^ 
And  for  Alcides  cbiin  the  victor's  prize. 
Ye  Pythian  rocks,  with  waving  forests  ctown'd. 
And  seats  of  Helicon's  nielodrous  choir. 

Come  every  Nymph,  with  cheerful  sound. 
Visit  these  walls  which  to  the  clouds  aspire; 
In  helmed  crop  here  warriors  fiU'd  the  plains. 
Whose  lineage  undecay'd  from  age  to  age  remains. 

II.  2. 
Oye,  the  partners  of  one  nuptial  bed, 
Happy  Atnphitryon,  sprung  from  mortal  racse. 

And  Jove,  who  rush'd  to  the  embrace 
Of  bright  Alcmena;  for  of  thee  aright, 
Tho'  erst,  O  Jove,  I  doubted,  was  it  said 
Thou  didst  enjoy  that  beauteous  Dame^ 
With  the  renown  his  triumphs  claim. 
Time  thro'  the  vyorld  displays  Alcides'  might, 
Emerg'/l  from  griesly  Pluto's  realms  abborr'd, 

(15)  The  following  explanation  of  6)&i  %i>mm  a^fjut.  is  given  by  Barnes 
in  his  notes  ;  "  a  metaphor  taken  from  charioteers,  who  by  driving  on 
"  too  fiiriously  dash  tlieir  chariots  to  pieces.  But  the  poet  calls  tlie 
«'  chariot  of  riches  black,  either  bociMise  Plutus  the  God  of  Riches  is. 
**  blind,  and  because  gold  blincfs  t!ie  souls  of  men,  or  because  it  is  dug 
"  out  of  the  ground,  and  usually  kept  under  locks,  in  chests,  9td  in 
«  darkiiess.*' 


HERCULES  DISTRACTED.  2IS 

Who  quits  the  darksome  caverns  of  the  earth. 

To  me  a  far  more  welcofiae  lord, 
Than  yon  vile  Tyrant  of  ignoble  birth. 
Now  to  th^  bloody  sUife  we  lift  our  eyes  j 
The  vengeful  sword  is  bar'd,  if  Justice  haunt  the  skies. 

SEMICHORUS. 

Ha!  are  we  all  by  the  same  panic  seized  ? 
My  aged  friends,  what  spectre,  hovering  o'e^r 
The  palace,  do  I  see  ?  —  Those  tardj^  feet 
Raise  froni  the  ground,  precipitate  thy  flighty 
Be  gone.  — From  me,  O  P^ean,  mighty  King, 
Avert  these  evils. 

IRIS,  A  FIEND,  CHOttUS. 

IRIS. 

O,  ye  aged  men, 
Be  not  dismayed  :  the  Fiend  whom  ye  behol<l 
Is  daughter  of  old  Night,  and  I  am  Iris, 
The  Gods'  embassadress.     We  ai-e  not  come 
To  harm  your  city;  fpr  we  only  war 
Against  one  man,  who,  sprung  'tis  said  from  Jovtt 
And  from  Alcmena:  till  he  had  performed 
Severest  labours,  Fate  preserved  his  life  5 
Nor  did  his  father  Jove  permit,  or  me. 
Or  Juno,  e'er  to  hurt  him  :  but,  each  toil 
Eurystheus'  hate  enjoin*d,  now  he  hath  finished. 
Those  ofc«polluted  hands  with  recent  gore 
Will  Juno  stain,  by  urging  him  to  slay 
His  children  $  in  this  scheme  I  too  conspire^ 
Come  on  then,  arm'd  with  a  relentless  heart, 
Unwedded  Daughter  of  the  pitchy  Night ; 
Instill  into  that  Hero's  breast  such  frenzy 
As  shall  o'erturn  bis  reason,  i^r)()  constrain  him 
To  perpetrate  this  murder ;  his  wild  steps 
Goad  otiward,  throw  the  bloody  cable  forth, 
That  having  sent  this  band  of  graceful  Sons, 
^laln  by  their  Father's  arm,  adowii  the  gnlph 


404  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

Of  evil  omen  perch'd  aloof,  I  knew 
That  there  had  some  calamity  befallen 
My  house,  and  therefore  with  presaging  soul 
In  secrecy  I  enter'd  these  domains. 

AMPHITRYON. 

Draw  near  vvith  pious  awe,  ray  Son,  salute 
The  Lares,  and  display  that  welcome  face 
In  your  paternal  mausions.     For  to  drag 
Your  Wife  and  Children  forth,  with  me  youf  Sire, 
To  murder  us,  the  King  himself  will  come. 
But  all  will  prosper,  if  you  here  remain. 
And  a  secure  asylum  will  you  find, 
Nor  thro'  the  ci»y  spread  a  loud  alarm 
Ere  your  designs  succeed. 

HERCULES. 

Thus  will  I  act, 
For  thou  hast  rightly  spoken  ;  I  am  entering 
The  palace.     From  the  sunless  caves  beneath 
Of  Proserpine,  after  a  long  delay 
Returning,  first  to  our  domestic  Gods 
Will  I  be  mindful  to  address  my  vows. 

AMPHITRYON. 

Have  you  indeed  then  visited  the  house 
Of  Pluto,  O  my  Son  ? 

can  by  no  means  be  considered  as  any  peculiar  weakness  of  superstition^ 
such  as  derogates  from  the  character  for  undaunted  courage,  which  is 
miiversally  ascribed  to  him.  In  like  manner,  Virgil  represents  the  God- 
dess Jotuma,  after  long  driving  tiie  chariot  of  her  Brother  Tonius  throvgh 
the  ranks  of  war,  and  manifesting  great  intrepidity,  upon  the  Fury^ 
coming  in  the  shape  of  a  screech-owl,  making  this  exclamation  -, 

Jam,  jam,  linquo  acies,  ne  me  terrcte  timentem 
Obscienae  volucres;  alarum  verbera  nosco, 
Lethalemque  sonnm*  JEn»  L.  xii,  ▼•  875. 

^  Now,  now,  I  qnh  the  field!  forbear  to  fright 

^  My  tender  soul,  ye  baleful  Birds  of  nigiit! 

"  The  iashmg  of  your  wings  I  know  too  well, 

<<  The  aotundiiig  %iit  and  fonhnU  screams  of  HdL"     OnTSfiN. 

immediately  after  wMeh  gtriiig  jg^  her  brother  fyr  k9t>  she  retina  antf 
lc«ve»Um  i0  pertib  by  te  sword  of  iEaeM, 


HERCULES  DISTRACTED.  «05 

HERCULES. 
And  thence  the  dog 
With  triple-head  brought  to  these  reahns  of  light. 

AMPHITRYON. 

Conquer'd  in  battle,  or  on  you  bestow'd 
By  Hell's  indulgent  Goddess  i 

HERCULES. 

I  prevaird 
0*er  him  in  combat,  and  have  been  so  happy 
As  to  behold  the  far-fam'd  mystic  (11)  orgies. 

AMPHITRYON. 

But  is  the  beast  lodg'd  in  Eurystheus'  palace? 

HERCULES. 

Him  Cthonia's  groves  and  Hermion*s  walls  confine. 

AMPHITRYON. 

*  Knows  not  Eurystheus  that  you  are  return'd 
Into  tbis  upper  world  7 

HERCULES. 

He  doth  not  know : 
For  I  came  first  to  learn  what  passes  here. 

AMPHITRYON, 

But  wherefore  in  the  realms  beneath,  so  long 
Did  you  remain  ? 

HERCULES. 

I  there  prolonged  my  stay^ 
My  Sire,  to  bring  back  Theseus  from  the-shades. 

AMPHITRYON. 

And  where  is  he^  gone  to  his  native  land? 

HERCULES. 

He  weatto  Athens,,  pleas'd  with  bis  escape 
From  the  infernal  regions.     But  attend 
Your  Father  to  the  palace,  O  my  Sons, 
Which  now  ye  enter  in  a  happier  state 
Than  when  ye  left  it ;  but  take  courage,  cease 

(11)  ^*  Previous  to  his  descent  into  the  infernal  regions,  Hercules  wa» 
<<  initiated  in  the  Eleusinian  mysterieSy  by  Eumolpns,  according  to  lh<i. 
^'  account  ^ven  in  ApoUodoras."       Barnes. 


toQ  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

To  pour  forth  floods  of  tears  ;  and,  O  my  Wife, 
Collect  thyself,  let  all  thy  terrors  cease. 
And  loose  my  garments ;  for  I  have  not  wings, 
Nor  would  I  vanish  from  my  friends.     Alas ! 
Their  hold  they  quit  noi,  but  cling  faster  still. 
And  faster  to  my  vest.     Because  ye  stand 
Upon  the  veige  of  ruin,  I  will  take 
And  bear  you  hence,  as  by  the  ship  light  boats 
Are  guided  o'er  the  deep:  for  I  refuse  not 
The  care  my  children  claim.     Here  all  mankind 
Are  on  a  level,  they  of  nobler  rank 
And  mean  condition,  to  their  progeny 
Bear  equal  love.    The  gifts  of  fortune  vary, 
Some  have  abundant  wealth,  and  some  are  poor; 
But  the  whole  human  race  feels  this  attachment. 
lExeunt  hekculbs  a7id  megaka,  with  the  CInldren. 

CHORUS. 

ODE. 

I. 

Youth  is  light,  and  free  from  care  ; 

But  now  a  burden  on  my  head 
(12)  Heavier  than  iEtna's  rock,  old  age,  I  bear. 
Before  these  eyes  its  sable  veil  is  spread. 
Not  for  the  wealth  of  (13)  Asiatic  Kings, 
Or  heaps  of  gold  that  touched  yon  roof  sublime. 
Ere  would  I  barter  life's  enchanting  prime ; 

Hence  wealth  a  brighter  radiance  flings, 

(12)  Onus  iEtna  graviiis  videor  siistinere.         Cicero  de  Senectnte. 

(13)  **  The  poet  here  principally  marks  oat  the  wealth  of  the  Persiai^s 
^'  and  Phrygians.  But  Asia  in  general  was  sq  fruitful,  that  it  was  con- 
"  sidered  as  excelUng  all  other  parts  of  the  world.**  Barnes  proceeds  to 
illustrate  this  by  quotations  from  the  twelfth  Ode  of  Horace's  second 
book,  his  own  poem  of  Esther,  Cicero's  Oration  in  defence  of  Ligarius, 
and  Mithridatcs*  speech  to  his  soldiers  in  Justin ;  and  by  references  to  the 
treatise  of  Usher  Archbishop  of  Armagh,  on  Asia  Minor,  and  the  ac- 
counts of  that  coimtiy  to  he  met  with  in.  the  writings  of  the  various 
Lexicogrs^hers. 


HERCULES  DISTRACTED.  2()7 

And  poverty  itself  caa  charm  : 

But  tbouy  curst  Dotage,  art  the  sum 

Of  every  fancied^  every  real  harm ; 

May'st  thou  be  plung'd  beneath  the  deep,  nor  come 

To  peopled  town,  or  civilis'd  abode. 
Go  wing  thy  distant  flight  along  th'  aerial  road. 

I.  2. 

Did  the  Gods  with  sapient  care 

Mete  out  their  bounty  to  mankind. 
The  good,  the  gift  of  twofold  youth  should  share 
Unquestioned  token  of  a  virtuous  mind^ 
Behold  life's  sun  its  blest  career  renew^ 
While  the  degenerate  sleep  to  wake  no  more. 
We  by  these  means  distinctly  might  explore 

Their  merits  with  as  clear  a  view, 

As  sailors,  who  each  starry  spark 

Enumerate  that  adorns  the  skies. 
But  now  the  Gods  have  by  no  certain  mark  . 
Directed  whom  we  for  their* worth  should  prize. 
Whom  shun  as  wicked :  uninform*d  we  live, 
Revolving  Time  hath  nought  butplenteous  wealth  to  give. 

II.  1. 

Mindful  of  its  antient  themes. 
This  faltering  tongue  shall  ne'er  refuse, 
Oft  as  I  wander  by  their  haunted  streams. 
To  blend  each  gentle  Grace  and  tunefyl  Muse : 
O  may  I  dwell  among  th'  harmonious  choirs. 
My  brows  still  circled  with  a  laureat  wreath  ! 
Still  shall  the  Bard,  a  hoary  Veteran,  breathe 
The  strains  Mnemosune  inspires: 
While  memory  wakes,   I  ne'er  will  cease 
Th'  exploits  of  Hercules  to  sing ; 
Where  Bromius  yields  the  purple  vine's  increase^ 
Where  Libyan  pipes  and  the  lute's  sevenfold  string 
Are  heard  in  dulcet  unison;  to  praise 
The  Ninfe  who  aid  the  dance,  I'll  wake  my  choral  lays. 


/ 


1 


1 


208  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

Delian  virgins  at  the  gate 
Assembled,  festive  P»ans  sing. 
The  triumphs  of  Latona's  son  relate 
And  nimbly  vaulting  form  their  bea'uteous  ring. 
Into  thy  temple,  by  devotion  led, 
O  Phoebus    will  I  raise  my  parting  breath  ; 
The  Swan  thus  »varbles  at  the  hour  of  death- 
Iho  hoary  hairs  my  cheeks  o'erspread. " 
How  great  the  Hero's  generous  love. 
Whose  merits  aid  our  votive  song, 
Alcides  the  resistless  son  of  Jove  •  ' 
Those  trophies,  which  to  noble  birth  belong 
%  h,m  are  all  surpass'd,  bis  forceful  band 
.  Restoring peace,hath  deans'd  this  monster-teemingland. 

LYCUS,  AMPHITRYON,   CHORUS. 
Forth  from  the  portals  at  due  season  comes 

in  robes,  and  trappings  such  as  suit  the  dead 
But  go,  command  the  Children  and  the  Wife 
Of  Hercules  without  these  gates  t'  appear. 
Because  ye  have  engag'd  that  ye  will  die 
Hy  your  own  hands. 

AMPHITRYON. 
■M^     1  ,  ^°"  persecute,   O  Kins 

With  ifoderadon     IT'""'  ^"'  ^"^"'^^ '"  '''' 

This  harsh  necessi'tv       "°''^""  '"P°^* 
A«^^     ""necessity,  we  must  submit, 

And  execute  your  will.  • 


LYCUS. 


Tin,  ■  Where's  Meeara  > 

Where  are  the  Children  of  Alcmena^  Ion  ?  | 


HERCULES  DISTRACTED.  219 

'*  Or  Is  he  frantic  f"  Meanwhile  thro'  the  palace 

Backward  and  Forward'  he  with  hasty  step 

Was  walking  :  but  no  8CX)ner  did  be  reach 

That  spacious  hall,  where  at  the  genial  board 

The  men  are  wont  t'  assemble,  than  he  said 

That  he  was  come  to  (18)  Nisus'  antient  city^ 

And  to  th'  imperial  dome :  and  on  the  floor. 

As  if  reclining  at  the  genial  board. 

Bade  us  set  forth  the  banquet.     But  the  pause 

Which  intervened  was  short,  ere  he  exclaim'd. 

That  he  was  traversing  the  Isthmian  rocks 

O'ergrown  with  woods ;  then  casting  off  his  mantle^ 

He  strove  tho'  there  was  no  antagonist 

With  whom  to  strive,  proclaimed  himself  the  victor. 

The  name  of  that  imaginary  foe 

Announcing,  over  whom  he  had  prevail'd  : 

But  'gainst  Eurystheus  he  anon  did  utter 

Menaces  the  most  horrible>  and  talk  * 

As  if  he  at  Mycene  had  been  present. 

His  Father  strove  to  hold  his  vigorous  arm, 

And  said  to  him;  '^  What  mean  you,  O  my  Son-? 

What  wanderings  into  distant  realms  are  these? 

Hath  not  the  blood  of  him  you  have  just  slaia 
'^  Distracted  you  f"   Then  for  Eurystheus*  Sire 
Mistaking  his  own  Father,  as  he  strove 
To  touch  his  hand,  repell'd  the  trembling  suppliant : 
Against  his  Sons,  the  quiver  and  the  bow. 
Thinking  to  slay  the  children  of  Eurystheus, 
He  next  made  ready  ;  they  with  terror  smitten 
Ran  different  ways ;  the  first  beneath  the  robes 
Of  his  unhappy  Mother  skulk'd;  a  second 
Flew  to  the  shade  the  lofty  column  formed ; 

(18)  '^  Megara  is  called  the  city  of  Nistu  by  Pindar,  and  likewise  by 
!  ^  StrabOy  who  says,  that  upon  Attica  being  divided  into  four  portionsy 

•  '<  Megara  was  allotted  to  Nisus.    The  history  of  Nisus  and  ScyUa,  and 

*^  thai  Monarch's  puiple  lock  of  hair,  is  to  be  met  with  in  the  eightli 
^  book  of  Ovid's  Mctninorpbofles,  aii4  in  Aponodoras,"  Barji  ss* 


4( 


S2D  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

UndeF  the  altar  quivering  like  a  bird. 

The  last  conceard  himself:  their  Mother  cried, 

**  What;  mean 'at  thou,  Othou  Father,  would'st  thou  slay 

*'  Thy  Sonsf'*  Amphitryon  too,  that  aged  man. 

And  all  the  servants  shfiek'd.     But  round  the  pillar 

The  boy  pursuing,  he  at  length  turn'd  short, 

i^nd  meeting  him,  as  foot  to  foot  they  stood, 

Transfix'd  his  liver  with  a  deadly  shaft, 

lupine  he  fell,  and  with  his  streaming  gore 

Distain'd  the  sculptured  pillars,  at  whose  base 

He  breath'd  his  last.     But,  with  a  shout,  Alcides 

Utter'd  these  boasts;  ^^  One  of  Eurystheus.*  bfoo4 

*'  Siaiu  by  this  arm,  for  the  inveterate  hate 

^^  His  Father  bore  me,  to  atone,  here  lies 

^'  A  breathless  corse:'*  against  another  then. 

Who  to' the  basis  of  the  altar  fled. 

And  hop'd  to  scape  unseen,  he  bent  his  bow; 

But  ere  he  gave  the  wound,  the  wretched  youth 

Fell  at  his  Father's  knees,  stretch 'd  forth  his  hands 

To  touch  his  chin,  or  twine  around  his  neck. 

And  cried ;  "  O  spare  my  life,  my  dearest  Sire, 

*'  Yours,  I  am  yours  indeed  ;  nor  will  you  slay 

*'  Eurystheus'  Son.'*    But  he  with  glaring  eyes 

Look'd  like  a  Gorgon,  while  the  boy  pressed  oq 

So  close,  he  had  no  scope  to  aim  the  shaft, 

But  as  the  smith  the  glowing  anvil  smites. 

Full  on  his  auburn  tresses  he  discharged 

The  ponderous  in  ace,  the  crashing  bones  gave  way. 

Scarce  had  he  slain  the  second,  when  he  ran 

To  butcher  his  third  son  o*er  both  their  corses: 

But  the  unhappy  Mother  in  her  arms 

Caught  up,  ifito  an  inner  chamber  bore 

The  child,  and  clos'd  the  doors :  but  he,  as  if 

He  had  indeed  been  at  the  Cyclops'  city. 

With  levers  from  their  hinjgies  forc'd  them,  pierc'4 

His  Wife  and  Offspring  with  a  single  shafts 

And  then  to  slay  his  aged  Father  rush'd 


Hercules  toistRACtEi).         ts«i 

With  speed  impetnoas :  but  a  spectre  came. 

Which  to  our  eves  the  aweful  semblance  bore 

Of  Pallas  brandishing  her  pointed  spear. 

And  threw  a  rocky  fragment  at  the  breast 

Of  Herculesy  which  checked  his  marderoas  frenzjj 

And  pliMig'd  him  into  sleep :  apon  the  ground 

Headlong  he  fell,  where  midst  the  ruins  lay/ 

Rent  from  its  pedestal  a  broken  column  : 

But  rallying  from  our  flight,  we,  by  his  Sire 

Assisted,  to  the  pillar  bound  him  fast 

With  thongs,  that  on  his  wakening  from  this  trance 

He  might  commit  no  more  atrocious  deeds. 

There  doth  he  taste  an  inauspicious  sleep. 

First  having  slain  his  children  and  his  consort. 

I  know  no  mortal  more  completely  wretched. 

[Exit  MBSSENQBR. 
CHORUS. 

There  was  a  murder  in  the  Argive  land 
Most  wondrous  and  unparalleled  thro'  Greece 
In  days  of  yore,  which  the  confederate  Daughters 
Of  Danaus  perpetrated  :  but  their  crimes 
By  the  dire  fate  of  Progne's  only  son 
Were  far  surpassed.     I  of  a  bloody  deed 
Now  speak  which  they  committed,  they  whose  voice 
Equals  the  (19)  Muses'  choir:  but  thou  who  spring'st 
From  Jove  himself,  hast  in  thy  frenzy  slain 
All  thy  three  sons :  for  them  what  groans,  what  tears. 
What  invocations  to  the  shades  beneath. 
Or  songs  shall  I  prepare  to  soothe  the  rage 
Of  griesly  Pluto?  Shiver'd  on  the  ground 
The  portals  of  that  lofty  mansion  view. 
Behold  the  corses  of  the  Children  streicbt 

(19)  **  Hie  Poetspeaks  of  the  miird»r  as  committed  by  the  Mostt, 
^  becmue  they  who  perpetrated  it  were  metaraoipbosed  into  tunefid 
<<  birds ;  for  Pro;;iie  nvas  changed  into  a  sv  allow,  and  Fhitomela  into  m 
<«  nightingale,  a  bird  eminently  dear  to  the  Muses  on  accomit  of  tim 
^  sweetness  of  bcr  song."-  Barnes. 


«MI  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

Before  their  miserable  Sire,  whose  senses. 
Since  he  hath  slain  them,  in  profoundest  sleep 
Are  buried.     Mark  those  knotty  cords  around 
The  brawny  limbs  of  Hercules,  entwin'd 
And  to  the  column^  in  the  palace  fix'd. 
B«t  old  Amphitryon,  like  a  bird  wh6  wails 
Over  its  callow  brood,  with  tardy  step 
Comes  hither  in  the  bitterness  of  grief. 

AMPHITRYON,  CHORUS. 

The  Palace  gates  thrown  open,  discover  HERCULES 
stretcht  on  the  ground  and  sleeping. 

AMPHITRYON. 

Ye  aged  Thebans,  will  ye  not  be  silent, 
Will  ye  not  suffer  him  dissolved  in  sleep 
His  .miseries  to  forget  ? 

CHORUS. 

These  tears,  these  groans^ 
To  you,  O  venerable  Man,  I  pay. 
To  those  slain  Children,  and  the  Chief  renowned 
'Sot  his  victorious  conflicts. 

AMPHITRYON. 

Farther  still 
Retire ;  forbear,  forbear  those  clamorous  sounds. 
Lest  his  repose  ye  break,  and  from  a  trance 
The  sleeper  rouse. 

CHORUS. 

How  dreadful  was  this  slaughter! 

AMPHITRYON. 

Ha!  ha  !  begone,  for  he  in  wild  confusion 
Is  starting  up.     Why  will  ye  not  lament, 
Ye  aged  men,  in  a  more  gentle  tone  i 
Lest  rous'd  from  sleep  he  burst  his  chains,  destroy 
The  city,  smite  his  Sire,  and  with  the  ground 
Lay  these  proud  mansions  level. 

CHORUS. 

This  I  bold 


HERCULES  DISTRACTED  %%3 

Impossible. 

AMPHITRYON. 
Be  sitepty  [  will  mark 
Whether  he  breathe ;  O  let  me  place  my  ear 
Still  closer. 

CHORUS. 

Sleeps  he? 

AMPHITRYON. 

An  accurst  repose, 
Alasf  he  tastes,  who  hath  his  Consort  slaiiiy 
And  slain  his  Sons  with  that  rebounding  bow. 

CHORUS,, 

Now  wail. 

AMPHITRYON. 

I  wail  those  Children's  fate* 

CHORUS. 

Your  Son, 
AlaS;  Old  Man^  our  equal  pity  claims. 

AMPHITRYON- 

Observe  strict  silence,  for  again  he  rises 
And  turns  around :  I  will  conceal  myself 
Beneath  that  roof. 

CHORUS. 

Be  of  good  cheer :  night  seals 
The  eye-lids  of  your  Son. 

AMPHITRYON. 

Mark,  mark  me  weil^ 
I  am  so  wretched  that  without  reluctance 
I  can  bid  life  adieu :  but  if  he  kill 
Me  too  who  am  his  Father,  guilt  on  guilt 
Shall  he  accumulate,  and  Join  the  stings 
Of  parricide  to  those  which  from  the  Furies 
Who  haunt  him,  he  already  doth  eQ4lure. 

CHORUS. 

Better  you  then  had  died,  when  you  prepar'd 
V  avenge  the  slaughtered  Brothers  of  Alcmena, 
An4  storm'd  the  fortress  of  the  Taphian  isle. 


fiM  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

Before  their  miserable  Sire,  whose  senses. 
Since  he  halh  slain  them,  in  proFoundest  sleep 
Are  buried.     Mark  those  knotty  cords  around 
The  brawny  limbs  of  Hercules,  entwin'd 
And  to  the  columns  in  the  palace  fix'd. 
B»t  old  Amphitryon,  like  a  bird  wh6  wails 
Over  its  callow  brood,  with  tardy  step 
Comes  hither  in  the  bitterness  of  grief. 

AMPHITRYON,  CHORUS. 
Tie  Pala'ct  gqta  thrown  open,  discocer  HERCULES 
ttretcht  on  the  ground  and  sleeping. 
AMPHITRYON. 
Ye  agedThebans,  will  ye  not  be  silent, 
Will  ye  not  suffer  him  dissolv'd  in  sleep 
His, miseries  to  forget  i 

CHOBUS. 

These  tears,  these  groans. 
To  you,  O  venerable  Man,  I  pay. 
To  those  slain  Children,  and  the  Chief  renown'tl 
For  his  victorious  conflicts. 

AMPHITRVON. 

Farlhev  still 
Betiie;  forbear,  forbear  ihose  clamorous  sounds, 
Lest  his  repose  ye  break,  and  from  a  trance 
The  sleeper  rouse. 

CHORUS. 
How  dreadfolj 

AMPHIT 

Ha!   ha 
Is  starting  up.     \\  by  J 
Ye  aged  men,  in  a 
Lest  rous'd  fromjj 
The  city,  smil^ 
Lay  these  pr< 


f 

i 

HERCULES  DISTUACTED 

^'^ 

aa 

Impossible. 

AMPHITRYON, 

Be&ileni,  1  will  marlc 

» 

Whether  he  bteaihe ;  0  let  me  place  iny  ea; 

Still  closer. 

CHORUS,                         ,. 

Sleeps  he? 

• 

AMPHITKVON. 

^•^^«^ES 

An  aeeurst  repoH 

Alasf  he  tastes,  who  hnlh  his  Consorl  slnia, 

And  slain  his  Sons  with  that  rebounding  boi 

CHORUS, 

IJow  wail. 

AMPHITRYON.                   . 

I  nail  those  Children'i!  fate.       I 

*«o*           m 

CHORUS.                          ( 

r 

Yol 

'<j            £ 

AJas,  Old  Man,  our  equal  pity  claims.         | 

^^     ^__^ 

AMPHITRYON,                   ( 

Observe  strict  silence,  for  again  he  risM 

Aod  turns  around:  I  will  conceal  myaelf    ' 

peoca^i^  that  roof. 

CHORUS. 

Be  of  good  ch^er:  ti^. 

— ,--;«/*  oi  your  Soil. 

T    '                                         ■rsian. 

Ma/^BWkiK* 

/...--I   tl.  .            rotRliifirW 

^^H^^^^^^^£  u  be  bo 

^^^^^^^^^^^^,  edkoo^ 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H  jon  liv  <nin- 

^^^^^^HH^^^^^^^^^^^Lf)  t'nxn  ''rC 

^^^^^^^^      ^^^^^^^^^^W^  '-•>'-" 

In^ 

/ 


ii44  I4ERCDLES  DISTRACTEtJ* 

AMPHITRYON. 

Fly,  leave  the  palace  instantly;  avoid 
That  frantic  man,  who  from  his  sleep  is  i-ous'd> 
For  adding  sootl  fresh  slaughter  to  the  past. 
With  Bacchanalian  transport  shall  he  tange 
Thro'  Cadmus'  city. 

CHORUS. 

Why  hast  thou,  O  Jovcf> 
Hated  thy  Soti  so  bitterly,  and  plung'd  him 
Into  this  sea  of  troubles? 

HERCULES    r«w*M*^- 

Ha !  I  breathe, 
And  view  each  wonted  object,  air,  and  earthy 
i\nd  these  bright  solar  beams;     Into  what  storm^ 
What  dreadful  perturbation  of  the  soul 
Have  I  been  plung'd!  all  heated  I  transpire. 
Not  from  my  lungs,  but  from  my  feverish  heart. 
Behold  me!  wherefore  am  I  bound. with  chains^ 
Like  a  disabled  ship  tow'd  into  haven, 
y\nd  by  this  youthful  chest  and  nervous  arm 
Join'd  to  a  broken  pillar?  Here  I  sit 
Contiguous  to  the  corses  of  the  slain; 
My  winged  shafts  lie  scatter'd  on  the  ground. 
With  that  linerrina:  bow  which  erst  I  bore 
Jn  war  to  guard  me,  and  with  -care  preserv'd^ 
Sent  by  Eurystheus,  am  1  then  arrivM 
A  second  time  at  the  drear  shades  beneath  ^ 
Neither  the  rock  of  Sisiphus,  nor  Pluto> 
Nor  Ceres'  sceptred  Daughter,  do  I  see. 
I  sure  am  stricken  senseless  with  amazeroet>t. 
And  know  not  where  I  am.     But  ho  !  what  friend 
Is  near,  or  at  a  distance,  w^ho  will  come 
'Jo  give  me  information  f  For  each  object 
AVhich  I  was  erst  acquainted  with  seems  strange. 

AMPHITRYON. 

Shall  I  approach  this  scene  of  my  afflicttonSf^ 
Yc  aged  men  ? 


HERCULES  DISTRACTED.  £25 

CHORUS* 
I  will  attend  your  steps. 
Nor  meanly  in  calamity  betray  you. 

HERCULES. 

Why  dost  thou  weep^  ipy  Sire,  and  veil  those  eyes. 
Retiring  far  from  thy  beloved  Son  i 

AMPHITRYON. 

My  Son  —  for  tho'  unhappy,  you  are  mine. 

HERCULES. 
But  what  calamity  do  I  endure 
That  causes  thee  to  shed  these  tears  i  .      ; 

AMPHITRYON. 

.  Your  woes 
Are  suoh,  tliat  auy  G.od,  if  he  endui'd  ■  ....,' 

The  same,  would  groan. 

HERCULES. 

This  hath  a  dreadful  sound  : 
But  you,  my  fortune^  b^ive  not  yet  explained. 

lAMPHURYON. 

Because  if  you  your  senses  have  recovered 
Yourself  behold  them. 

HERCULES. 

Tell  me  what  tbou  meanest. 

If  to  my  charge  thou  lay'st  some  recent  crime^ 

AMPHITRYON, 
If  you  no  longer  to  the  Powers  of  Hell 
Are  subjected,  the  truth  will  I  unfold. 

HERCULES. 
Alaa  I  how  darkly  thou  again  altud'st 
To  what  my  soul  suspects. 

amphitryonX 

Your  looks  I  watch 
To  see  if  reason  wholly  b^  restored. 

HERCULES. 

I  recollect  not  that  I  e'er  was  frantic. 
AMPHITRYON  to  the  Chorus. 

Sball  I  unbend  the  shackles  of  my  Son, 
VOL.  in.  Q     , 


£^  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

Transpierce  this  bosoin>  on  myself  their  blood 

Avenging  ?  or  t'  avert  that  infamy 

Which  waits  me,  shall  I  rush  into  the  flames? 

But  Theseus  comes  to  bar  these  desperate  counsels. 

My  kinsman  and  my  friend ;  in  a  true  light 

To  him  shall  I  appear^  and  the  pollution 

I  have  incurr*d  by  slaying  my  own  Sons 

Will  be  conspicuous  to  my  dearest  comrade. 

What  shall  I  do ;  or  where  can  I  find  out 

A  solitude  impervious  to  my  woes  f 

On  rapid  wings,  O  could  I  mount^  or  plunge 

Into  the  nether  regions  of  the  earth  ? 

Give  me  a  veil  to  darken  o'er  my  head. 

For  'tis  with  shame  I  think  on  the  offence 

Caus'd  by  this  deed :  but  to  myself  alone 

Ascribing  the  defilement  of  their  bloodj 

I  wish  not  to  contaminate  the  guiltless. 

THESEUS,  AMPHITRYON,  HERCUJLES, 

CHORUS. 

1'HESEUS. 

An  armed  squadron  of  Athenian  youths 
I  hither  bring,  who  near  Asopus'  stream 
Are  station'd  to  assist  your  Son  in  battle. 
For  to  the  city  of  Erectheus'  race 
A  rumour  came,  that  Lycus,  having  sei^'d 
The  sceptre  of  this  land,  is  waging  war 
'Gainst  you.     O  aged  Man,  I  to  repay 
The  benefits  which  Hercules  conferred 
On  me,  whom  from  the  dreary  shades  beneath 
In  safety  he  redeem'd,  on  your  behalf 
Attend,  if  of  this  arm,  or  of  my  troops. 
Ye  need  the  help.     But,  ha,  what  means  the  floor 
With  weltering  corses  heap'd  ?  hath  my  design 
Prov'd  ineflectual  ?  am  I  then  arrivM 
Too  late  to  remedy  the  dreadful  mischiefs 
Which  have  already  ta'en  effect?  who  slew 


HERCULES  DISTRACTED.  229 

Those  Children,  or  whose  Consort  was  the  Dame 
Whom  I  behold?  for  where  the  boys  are  laid. 
No  signs  appear  of  any, battle  fought: 
But  sure  I  of  some  other  recent  ill 
Now  make  discovery. 

AMPHITRYON. 

0  thou  Goddess,  thron'd 
Upon  that  hill  where  verdant  olives  spring. 

THESEUS. 

Why  speak  you  to  me  in  this  piteous  tone, 
And  with  such  prelude  ? 

AMPHITRYON, 

Grievous  are  the  ills 
Which  we  endure  thro'  Heaven's  severe  behest^ 

THESEUS. 

What  boys  are  they  o'er  whose  remains  you  weep  I 

AMPHITRYON. 

Them  did  my  miserable  Son  beget. 
And  when  begotten  slay,  this  impiaiis  murder 
He  dar'd  to'  perpetrate. 

THESEUS, 

.    Express  yourself 
In  more  auspicious  terms. 

AMPHITRYON. 

1  wish  t'  obey 
Th'  injunctions  thou  hast  given. 

THESEUS. 

What  dreadful  words 
Are  these  which  you  have  utter'd. 

AMPHITRYON. 

In  a  moment 
Were  we  undone. 

THESEUS. 
What  mean  you,  what  hath  happen'd? 

AMPHITRYON. 

Thi»  frenzy  seiz'd  him  sprinkled  with  the  venom, 
Which  from  the  hundred-headed  Hydra  flow'd. 


2S0  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

THES2US. 

Such  Juno's  wrath.     But  who,  ^O  aged  Mati, 
(20)  Stands  'mong  the  dead  ? 

AMPHITRYON. 

M  J  Son^  my  valiant  Son^ 

Inur'd  to  r^any  toils,  who  in  that  war 

Wh6re  Earth's  Gigantic  brood  were  slain,  advanced 

Among  the  Gods  to  the  Phlegraean  field 

Arm'd  with  his  buckler. 

THESEUS. 

Ah,  what  mighty  chief 
Was  e'er  so  wretched  ? 

AMPHITRYON. 

Scarcely  shaft  thou  know 

A  man  with  greater  labours  vex'd,  and  doom'd 

To  wander  thro'  more  regions. 

THESEUS. 

But  why  Tells  he 

Beneath  that  robe  his  miserable  head  ? 

AMPHITRYON. 

Because  thy  presence,  friendship's  sacred  ties 
Added  to  those  of  kindred,  and  the  gore 
Of  his  slain  children,  fill  his  soul  with  shaftie. 

THESEUS. 

I  with  his  griefs  am  come  to  sympathise; 
Uncover  him. 

AMPHITRYON. 

That  garment  from  your  eyes 

Remove,  display  your  visage  to  the  sun.    • 

It  ill  becomes  my  dignity  to  weep  : 

Yet  I  a  sopptiant  strive  to  touch  your  beard, 

(30)  The  evident  corrnption  of  the  antient  reading  does  not  appear  to 
have  been  remedied  by  any  manuscript;  instead  therefore  of  Tif  idht 
notgw;,  wliich  it  is  impossible  to  make  sense  of,  almost  every  editor  and 
commentator  has  furnished  his  own  conjecture ;  among  a  variety  of 
vi^hicb  I  have  met  with  none  that  seems  to  me  preferable  to  Hf  ^V  <> 
Tsc^;,  proposed  by  Mr.  ^eath. 


HERCWLB$  DISTRACTED.  23 » 

Your  knees,  your  hand,  and  shed  these  hoary  tears. 

0  curb  your  soul,  my  Son,  whose  fierceness  equals 
That  of  the'Hon,  else  'twill  hurry  you 

To  bloody  impious  rage,  and  make  you  ad4 
Mischiefs  to  mischiefs. 

THESEUS. 

Ho !  on  thee  I  call, 
On  thee,  who  to  that  seat  of  misery  seem'st 
Fast  rivetted  ;  permit  thy  friends  to  see 
Thy  face :  for  darbqess  bath  no  cloud  so  black 
As  to  conceal  thy  woes.     Why  dost  thou  wave 
Thy  hand,  and  point  to  those  whom  thou  hast  slain. 
Lest  by  this  converse  I  pollute  myself? 

1  am  not  loth  to  share  thy  woes:  I  erst 
Was  happy  (which  my  soul  is  ever  bound 
To  recollect  with  gratitude)  when  thou 

From  hell's  loathM  gloom,  the  mausjon  of  the  dead^ 
Didst  safely  bear  me  to  the  realms  of  light. 
For  I  abhor  th'  attachment  of  those  friends 
Which  tiue  impairs,  him  too  who  would  enjoy 
Their  better  fortunes,  but  refuse  to  sail 
In  the  same  bark  with  those  who  prove  unblest* 
Rise  up,  UE^y^jl  thy  njiserable  head 
And  look  on  me.     A  noble  mind  sustains 
Without  reluctance  what  the  Gods  inflict. 

HERCULES. 

Did  you,  O  Theseus,  see  me  slay  my  Children  ? 

THESEUS. 

I  heard,  and  now  behold  the  ills  thou  speak'st  of. 

HERCULES. 

Then  why  didst  thou  uncover  to  the  sun 
My  guilty  bead? 

THESEUS. 

Why  not?   canst  thou,  a  man. 


Pollute  the  Gods? 


HERCULES. 

Avaunt,  O  wretch^  8 


132  HERCULfiS  DISTRACTED. 

For  I  am  all  contagion. 

THESEUS. 

To  a  friend 
No  mischief  from  his  friend  can  be  transmitted. 

HERCULES. 

Your  conduct  I  applaud,  nor  will  deny 
That  I  have  serv'd  you. 

THESEUS. 
I  who  erst  receiv'd 
Those  favours  at  thy  hands,  now  pity  thee. 

HERCULES. 

I  am  indeed  an  object  of  your  pity, 
Froin  having  slain  my  Sons. 

THESEUS. 

For  thee  I  weep. 
Because  to  me  thou  heretofore  wert  kind 
When  vex'd  by  other  ills. 

HERCULES. 

Did  you  e'er  meet . 
With  those  who  were  more  wretched  ? 

THESEUS, 

Thy  afflictions 
Are  of  such  giant  bulk,  that  they  to  Heaven 
Reach  from  this  nether  world. 

HERCULES. 

Hence  am  I  ready 

For  instant  death. 

THESEUS. 

Canst  thou  suppose  the  Go 
Regard  thy  threats  f 

HERCULES. 

Self-^wiird  are  they  and  cruc 
And  I  defy  the  Gods. 

THESEUS. 

Restrain  thy  tongue 
Lest  thou  by  uttering  such  presumptuous  words 
Encrease  thy  sufferings. 


HERCULES  DISTRACTED.  «33 

HERCULES.  ! 

I  with  woes  am  fjfaught ' 
Already^  nor  remains  there  space  for  more. 

THESEUS. 

But  what  design*st  thou  ?  whither  art  thou  borne 
With  frantic  rage  ? 

liERCULES. 
In  death  will  I  return 
To  tl^ose  abodes  beneath,  whence  late  I  came. 

THESEUS. 

Thou  i^peak'st  the  language  of  a  vulgar  man. 

HERCULES. 

Exempt  from  all  calamity  yourself. 
On  me  these  -admonitions  you  bestow. 

THESEUS. 

Are  these  fit  words  for  Herculi^s  to  use. 
Who  many  toils  endurM? 

HERCULES. 

I  had  not  suffered 
Thus  much,  if  any  bounds  had  circumscrib'd 
My  labours. 

THESEUS. 

Benefactor  of  mankind. 
And  their  great  friend  ? 

HERCULES. 

From  them  no  aid  I  find ; 
But  Juno  triumphs. 

THESEUS. 

Greece  will  hot  permit  thee 
To  perish  unregarded. 

HERCULES. 

'  Hear  me  now, 

That  I  with  reason  your  advice  may  combat; 
To  you  will  I  explain  both  why  it  is 
And  long  hath  been  impossible  for  me 
To  live ;  and  fitst,  because  from  him,  I  spring,     ' 
Who,  having  slain  the  Father  of  Alcmena, 


^34  HBRCULES  PKTRACTEP. 

Defird  with  murder,  wedded  lier.  who  bore  me. 
When  thus  the  basi^  of  a  family 
Is  laid  in  guiUi  the  children  must  be  wr^tch^d- 
But  Jove  (or  some  one  who  assura'd  the  name 
Of  jQve)  begot  me ;  hence  to  Juno's  hate 
Was  [  obnoxious.     Yet,   O  let  not  this 
Offend  thine  ear,  old  Man,  for  thee,  not  Jove, 
I  deem  my  real  Sire.     While  yet  I  hung 
An  infant  at  the  breast,  Jqv^h  Wife  by  stealth 
Sent  snakes  into  my  cr^^dle  to  destroy  me. 
But  after. .{  attain'd  the  bloom  of  manhood, 
Of  what  avail  were  it,  should  I  recount 
The  various  labours  I  endur'd,  what  Lions, 
What  Typhons  wjth  a  triple  form,  what  Giants, 
Or  what  four-footed  CentAurs,  who  in  crowds 
Rush'd  to  the  battle,  by  this  Arm  were  slain  ? 
How  I  dispatched  the  Hydra  too,   that  Monster 
With  heads  surrounded,   branching  out  aneWi 
And  having  suffered  wsny  toils  beside. 
Went  to  the  mansions  of  the  dead,  to  bring 
Hell's  triple-headed  Dog  into  the  realms 
Of  light,  for  thus  Euryssjtbeus  bad  enjoin'd  i 
But  I  at  last,  wretch  tbat  X  ai^,  ^his  murder 
Did  perpetrate,  and  my  own  Children  slay, 
Tliat  to  their  utmost  summit  I  imight  raise 
The  miserie?  of  this  house.    My  fate  is  such 
That  in  my  native  Thebes  I  must  no^t  dwell : 
But  if  I  here  continue,   to  what. temple 
Or  friends  €a(n  I  re|>air?  fpir  by  such  curses 
I  now  am  visited,  tliat  none  will  dare  . 
To  speak  to  me.    Tq  Argo$  shall  I  go  ? 
How  can  I,  when  my  country  drives  me  forth  i 
To  any  other  city  should  I  fly. 
The  consequence  w^re  this ;  with  ioofcs  askance 
I  should  be  view'4  as  one  well  known,  and  l^irrass'd  . 
►With  these  veproa^^ies  by  pialignant  toi^gaes; 
"  Is  not  this  h^,  the  Son,of  Jove^  who  fliurder'd 


HERCULES  DISTRACTED.  Si5 

'^  His  Childreh  aiid  his  Consort?  from  this  land 

*'  Shall  not  th'  ai^curaed  miscreant  be  expeird  V* 

To  him  who  was  call'df  happy  onoe^  such  change 

Is  bitterness  indeed:  fis  for  the  man 

Whose  sufferings  aie.  perpetqal,  him,  when  wretched 

No  kinsman  pities.     I  to  such  a  pitch 

Of  woe  shall  eome,  I  deein,'  at  lengthy  that  £arth. 

Uttering  a  voice  indignant,  will  forbid  me 

To  touch  its  svrfacet  Ocean,  o'er  its  waveg^ 

And  every  river^   o'er  its  streams,  to  pass* 

I  shall  be  like  Ixion  then,  witi)  chains 

Fix'd  to  the  willed.    Twere  better  that  no  Greek 

With  whom  I  in  my  happier  days  conversed 

Should  see  me  tnofe«    What  motive  can  I  have 

For  tiring  i  or  to  me  of  what  avail 

Were  it  to  keep  poss€4sion  of  this  nsele£s, 

And  this  unholy  being  I  flush'd  with  joy^ 

Let  Jove's  illustrious  Consort,  in  the  dance^ 

Strike  with  her  sandals  the  resplendent  floor 

Of  high  Olympus :  for  she  now  hath  gain'd 

Her  utmost  wish,  and  from,  his  basis  torn 

The  first  of  Grecian  warriors.    Who  can  pfay 

To  such  a  Goddess>  who,   with  envy  stung. 

Because  Jove  lov'd  a  woman,   hath  destroy 'd} 

The  benefactors  of  the  Grecian  realm. 

Those  blameless  objects  of  her  hate  i 

THE8EU8. 

Tins  mischief 
Springs  from  no  God  except  the  Wife  of  Jove. 
Well  dost  thou  judge,  in  saying  that  'tis  easier 
To  give  thee  wholesome  counsel,  than  endure 
Such  agonies.     But  no  man  'scapes  un^^ounded 
By  Fortune,  and  no  God  ;  unless  the  songs 
Of  antient  Bards  mislead.    Have  not  the  Gods 
Among  themselves  form'd  lawless  marriages  ? 
Have  they  not  bound  in  ignominious  chains 
Their  Fathers,  to  obtain  a  throne:  In  Heaven 


«S6  HERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

Yet  dwell  they,  and  bear  op  beneath  the  load 

Of  all  tbeir  crimes.    But  what  canst  thou  allege^ 

If  thou,   frail  mortal  as  thou  art,  those  ills 

Immoderately  bewail'st  to  which  the  Gods 

Without  reluctance  yield  ?  from  Thebes  retire, 

Since  thus  the  laws  ordain  ;  and  follow  me 

To  Pallas'  city:  when  thy  hands  are  there 

CleansM  from  pollution,  I  to  thee  will  give 

A  palace,  ai>d  with  thee  divide  my  wealth. 

The  presents  which  the  Citizens  to  me 

Appropriated,  when  twice  seven  blooming  victims 

I  by  the  slaughter  of  the  Cretan  (21)  Bull 

Redeemed,  on  thee  will  I  bestow.     For  portions 

Of  land  are  thro'  the  realm  to  me  assigu'd  : 

These,  while  thou  liv'st,  henceforth  shall  by  thy  name 

Be  caird :  but  after  death  when  to  the  ^shades 

Of  Pluto  thou  descend'st,   with  sacrifice 

And  with  the  sculptured  tomb,  shall  Athens  grace 

Thy  memory.     For  her  citizens  have  gainM 

This  fairest  wreath  from  every  Grecian  state. 

By  yielding  succour  to  the  virtuous  man 

Their  glories  are  augmented  :  and  to  thee 

Will  1  repay  with  gratitude  the  kindness 

Which  thou  deserv'st  for  savihg  me;  for  thou 

Hast  need  of  friends  at  present :  but  no  friend 

(21)  Minos,  according  to  Apollodonis,  in  order  to  proTC  that  the 
God«  had  bestowed  on  him  the  kingdom  of  Crete,  prayed  to  Neptune 
that  a  Ball  (which  he  vowed  to  oflfer  him  in  sacrifice)  might  rise  from 
tlie  sea.    His  petition  was  granted :  but  he  sent  this  Bull,  which  was 
uncommonly  beautiful,  among  his  own  herds,  and  took  another  for  a 
victim.    The  God  was  incensed;   and  inspired  Pasiphae^  the  wife  of 
Minos,  with    an  unnatural  love  for    ibe  BuU,  which  was  for  a  time 
concealed   by  means  of  her    accomplice  Dsedalus,    who  constructed 
tlie  Labyrinth,  till  she  brought  forth  ^  monster  of  a  mixed  spfecies 
called  the  Muiotaur,  who  had  the  face  of  a  Bull,  and  the  rest  of  his- 
form  human,    Tlie  Athenians,  being  aflRicted  by  a  plague,  were  ordered 
by  the  oracle  to  furnish  annually  seven  striplings  and  seven  virgins  to  be 
devoured  by  this  monster,  till  Theseus  slew  tiie  Minotaur,  and  thereby 
put  an  end  to  this  detestable  tribute* 


/  * 


t 


E  L  E  C  T  R  A. 


SOFIiOCI,JB» 


x2 


^38  IJERCULES  DISTRACTED. 

Yet  on  thy  soal  lay  this  constraint,  to  bear 
With  me  the  woes  which  I  mosfcdeepiy  feel. 
The  very  Sire,  ye  Cl>iWwn,  who  begot, 
Murder'd  you ;  no  advantage  ye  derive 
From  what  this  arm  by  all  my  labours  gain'd. 
And  frotn  your  Faihei-'s  triumphs  no  renown. 
Have  not  I  slain  thee  too  who  didst  preserve 
My  bed  invio?ate,  and  o'er  my  douse 
Long  watch  with  patient  care  ?  ah  me  !  uiy  Wife^ 
My  Sons :  but  how  much  more  to  be  lamented 
Am  I  myself,  from  them  for  ever  torii  ? 
Ye  melancholy  joys  of  kisses  lavkh'd 
*  On  their  remains,  and  ye  my  loathed  Gompaniont, 
The  weapons  v^hich  I  still  retain,  but  doubt 
Whether  to  keep  or  dasrfi  them  to  the  ground : 
For  they,  while  at  my  ^ide  iheyhang,  wiM  seem 
To  utter  these  reproachful  words;  "  With  u»  ' 
^^  Thy  Consort  and  ^hy  Children  hast  thou  islainj 
'*  Yet  thou  the  very  i^nstrum^nts  preserv'et 
*'  Which  were  their  mmderers."    After  such  a  charge 
Can  I  still  bear  thenfi?  what  can  I  allege  f 
But  strippiiTg  off  those  alms  with  which  thro*  Greeoe 
I  have  atchiev^d  fall  mauy  glorious  deeds, 
Shall  I  expose  myself  to'those'who  hate  me. 
And  die  ignobly  f   I  must  not  abandon 
But  keep  them  stfll,  tho'  sOrrow^ing.    Aid  me,  Theseus, 
In  this  one  enterprise;  to  Argos  go 
And  for  your  Friend  obtain  the  great  ^ward 
Promised  for  dragging  from  the  shades  of  hell 
That  execrable  Hound  :  J  lest  if  by  you 
Deserted,  I  thro' grief  for  myslain  Children 
Should  come  to  some  calamitous  end.    Thou  realm 
Of  Cadmus,  and  ye  citizens  of  Thebes, 
With  tresses  shorn,  in  concert  weep ;  the  tomb 
Of  my  slain  Children  visit,  there  bewail. 
In  one  funereal  dirge,  the  dead,  and  me; 
For  smitten  with  the  same  dire  scourge  of  fate 


HERCCLES  DIStRACTfiD.  230 

By  Juno,  we  all  perish. 

TH£SEUS. 

Hapless  man, 
Arise;  enough  of  tears. 

HERCULES. 
I  cannot  rise, 
These  limbs  are  now  grown  stiff. 

TllESEUS. 

Calamity 
Subdues  the  valiant. 

HERCULES. 

Woultl  I  were  a  stone. 
Insensible  to  snflferihgs ! 

l-HfeSEUS. 

Gease  these  plaints  ; 
And  to  th«  friend  who  cotaes  to  serve  thele,  give 
Thy  hand. 

HfcRCULES. 

Bflt  let  me  not  wipe  off  the  blood 
Upon  your  garments. 

fHeSEUS. 

Wipe  it  off,  nor  scrapie, 
For  I  object  not. 

HERCULES. 

Of  my  Sons  bereft. 
In  you  the  likeness  of  a  Son  I  find. 

T'HESEUS. 

Fling  roOiM]  my  neck  thine  arm :  I'll  lead  the  way. 

HERCULES. 
A  pair  of  friends  :  the'  one  of  us  be  wretched. 
Such,  O  my  aged  Father,  is  the  man 
We  ought  to  make  a  friend* 

THESEUS. 

His  native  realm 

Produces  an  illustrious  progeny. 

HERCULES. 

Turn  me  around,  that  I  may  see  my  Sons. 


£46  ELECTRA. 

Nor  would  affiance  her  to  any  Bridegroom. 

But  since  here  too  great  danger  lay,  in  secret, 

Lest  by  some  noble  youth  she  might  be  pregofint ; 

He  with  atrocious  cruelty  resolv'd 

To  murder  her :  yet,  tho*  to  virtue  lost. 

Her  Mother  sav'd  her  from  £^sthus'  hand. 

Por  with  a  fair  pretence  had  she  been  arm'd  ' 

Against  her  slaughtered  Husbknd,  but  now  feared 

She  by  her  Children's  murder  might  provoke 

The  public  bate,    ^gisthns  therefore  fram'd 

This  stratagem ;  to  whosoe'er  shall  slay 

The  Son  of  Agamemnon,  who  had  'scap'd, 

A  voluntary  exile,  from  this  land. 

He  promisM  large  rewards,  and  for  a  Wife 

Electra  gave  to  me,  who  am  the  Son 

Of  Argive  parents,  and  on  this  account 

Fear  no  malign  reflections,  for  1  spring 

From  an  illustrious  race,  tho'  my  possessions 

Are  scanty,  whence  my  noble  birth  to  me 

Proves  ineffectual :  that  bestowing  her 

In  marriage  on  a  man  of  humble  station, 

He  from  her  Husband  might  have  less  to  fear. 

Por  if  some  youth  of  an  exalted  rank 

Had  wedded  her,  that  vengeance  for  the  death 

Of  Agamemnon,  which  at  present  sleeps. 

His  interest  might  have  rous'd  into  a  flame, 

So  had  iEgisthus  sufier*d  as  he  ought. 

That  I  did  ne'er  contaminate  her  bed. 

For  me  can  Venus  witness ;  she  remains 

A  virgin  still :  unworthy  as  I  am, 

The  Daughter  of  so  great  a  man  I  blush 

To  violate.    But  I  bewail  the  late 

Of  that  unhappy  Prince,  Orestes,  join'd 

In  nominal  affinity  with  me. 

Should  he,  returning  to  the  Argive  land. 

His  Sister's  hapless  marriage  e'er  1>iehoM. 

As  for  the  wretch  who  brands  me  with  the  nam^ 


HERCULES  DIStRACTfiD.  230 

By  Juno,  we  all  perish. 

THtSEUS. 

Hapicfls  man. 
Arise;  encxugli  of  tears. 

HERCULES. 
I  cannot  rise, 
These  linibs  are  nxsw  grown  stiff. 

THESEUS. 

Calamity 
Subdues  the  valiant. 

HERCULES. 
Would  I  were  a  stone. 
Insensible  to  suflferihgs ! 

l-HfeSEUS. 

Cease  these  plaints  ; 
And  to  the  friend  ivho  comes  to  serve  thele,  give 
Thy  hand. 

HERCULElS. 

•Bat  let  me  not  wipe  off  the  blood 
Upon  your  garments. 

THKSEUS. 

Wipe  it  off,  nor  scruple, 
For  I  object  not. 

HERCULES. 

Of  tay  Sons  bereft. 
In  you  the  likeness  of  a  Son  I  find. 

'THESEUS. 
Fling  ro&nd  my  neck  thine  arm :  I'll  lead  the  way. 

HERCULES. 

A  pair  of  friends  :  tho'  one  of  us  be  wretched. 
Such,  O  my  aged  Father,  is  the  man 
We  ought  to  make  a  friend# 

THESEUS. 

His  native  realm 
Produces  an  illustrious  progeny. 

HERCULES. 

Turn  me  around,  that  I  may  see  my  Sons. 


^48  ELECTRA. 

I  ought,  exerting  all  my  strength,  ta  make 
Your  toils  the  lighter,  and  with  you  ^ivide 
The  load,  that  you  more  easily  may  bear  tbeoTr 
Laborious  tasks  enough  without  these  door* 
To  you  belong,,  but  'tis  on  me  incumbent 
O'er  each  domestic  ofiice  to  {>reside : 
For  when  the  labourer  from  abroad  returns. 
How  sweet  is  it  to  find  all  well  within  f 

PEASANT. 

If,  such  thy  pleasure,  go:  for  from  this  house 
The  fountains  are  not  distant.     But  when  first 
Appears  the  da}',  will  I  drive  forth  my  oxen. 
And  sow  the  furrows.     For  no  slothfnl  man. 
Who  is  for  ever  prating  of  the  Gods, 
Can  gain  a  sustenance  exempt  frdm  toil.  ^ExemilL 

•  * 

ORESTES,  PYLADESv 

0RESTE8. 

Thee,  O  my  Pylades,  1  deem  the  firsr 
Of  men,  £or  th}*  fidelity  and  friendship,  < 

And  my  unsever'd  comrade;  for  thou  only  i 

Hast  still  atlach'd  thyself  to  thy  Orestes, 
Thus  wretched  b»  lam,,  and  suffering  wrongs 
Most  dreadful  from  ^gisthus,  who  hath  slai& 
My  Sire,  assisted  in  that  impious  deed 
By  my  abandoned  Mother.     But  I  come,. 
For  thus  the  Gods'  oracular  responses  • 
Directed,  to  my  natal  Argive  soil, 
Wiih  no  man's  privity  but  thine,  tawreat 
On  those  who  murder'd  him,  my  Father's  death  r 
This  very  night  I  visited  his  tomb. 
And  o'er  it  shed  full  many  a  duteous  tear; 
My  tresses  cut,  and  sprinkled  on  the  pyre 
The  blood  of  a  slain  sheep,  all  unobserved 
By  the  tyrannic  rulers  of  the  land. 
I  do  not  set  my  foot  within  the  walls> 
But  havii^g  ftam'd  at  once  two  different  projects,  ' 


\ 


electra:  «4gi 

Come  to  the  borders  of  this  realm^  by  flight. 
That  to  soQie  other  land  I  may  escape^ 
If  any  spy  should  know  me  while  I  search 
My  Sister  out,  (for  here  they  say. she  dwells, 
Join'd  in  the  nuptial  bond,  and  is  no  longer 
A  virgin)  that  with  her  I  may  converse. 
And  for  my  partner  in  the  bloody  deed. 
Receiving  her,  with  certainty  leai'n  all 
That  passes  in  the  city.    I^t  us  now. 
Because  the  mora  hei;  shining  forehead  i;e^r8y 
Step  from  the  beaten  path  aside:  fqr  soon. 
Will  there  some  husbandman  or  female  servai^t 
To  us  appear,  of  whom  we  may  enquire.     , 
If  here  my  Sister  dwell.     But  I  behold      .    ,    , 
Some  menial  Damsel,  On  her  shorn  l^ead  bearing 
A  ponderous  vase^f  water;  let  us  sit 
Andjisten,  if  perchance  she  may  let  fall 
Some  word  relating  to  the  iinportifint  schemes^ 
O  ]^'J<ades,  which  brpught  us  to  this  land% 

[They  retreat  to  the  back  Batt  i>f  ike^  Sta^c^ 

ELECTRA. 

ODE. 

1. 

Haste,  for  the  time  admiis  not  of  delay. 

My  gentle  comrades  hither  haste 
And  shed,  O  shed  the  sympathetic  tcar» 
Ah  mef  frotfi  Agamemnon  mighty  Chief^ 

And  Clytemnestra,  h«ted  child 

Of  Tyndarus,  I  derivfe  my  birth. 
By  piiying  Citizens 
Electra  the  unhappy  am  1  nam*d. 
Sentenced  to  toil  thro'  a  disastrous  life ; 

But  thou,  my  Sire,  meantime  are  stretch?^    . 
O  Son  of  Atreus,  'midst  the  drear  abodes 

Of  Orcus,  by  thy  Consort  slain. 
And  curst,  ^gigth us'  bloody  band^ 

Repeat,  my  iVi^idsi^  the  plaintive  straio  ^ 
Th*  afflicted  find  a  luxury  in  tearsw 


250  CLBCTRA^ 

IL 

Haste^  for  the  tine  admits  not  of  delay, 

My  gentle  comrades  hither  haste 
And  shed^  O  shed  the  sympathetic  tear. 
Ah  me  !  ray  wrenched  Brother,  in  what  realm. 

What  house  art  thou  enslav'd,  to  woes 

Inevitable  woes  expos'd 
In  her  paternal  dome 
Leaving  thy  Sister  ?  aid  me,  righteous  Jove, 
Rescue  thy  votary  compass'd  by  distress. 

And  of  my  Father's  cruel  death 
Now  shew  thyself  th'  avenger,  to  his  home 

Recall  Orestes,  exil'd  youth. 

Take  from  my  head  this  ponderous  vase, 
*^Tbat,  in  a  tone  more  audible, 
With  midnight  plaints  I  may  address  my  Sire ; 

III. 

For  thee  who  sleep'st  beneath  the  hollow  ground, 
I  wake  the  clamorous  song,  the  dirge 

To  which  grim  Pluto  listens  with  delight. 
Such  is  my  daily  exercise ; 
Rend  with  my  nails  my  bleeding  neck. 

And  strew  these  auburn  tresses  in  the  dust. 

Some  tuneful  cygnet  gliding  down  the  stream, 
Thus  calls  upon  her  parent  bird. 
Caught  in  the  treacherous  snare. 
Who  perish'd :  with  like  strains  I  wail 

Thee,  O  my  Sire,  o'er  whom  ihe  laver's  drops 
Were  sprinkled  for  the  last  last  time 
On  that  most  piteous  bed  of  death. 
To  thee,  my  Sire,  the  murderous  ax^ 
Then  gave  the  fatal  stroke 

And  in  a  fatal  hour  didst  thou  (1)  repose. 

After  thy  voyage  from  the  Phrygian  shore. 


(l)Iii  the  stead  of /S^^^v,  propter  eoodliiim,  ^itioh  in  tlib  pasaag^ 
44>pcw!ed H me qiiit» UHsMilglble,  I famntiiAstilateA «Mtf%Mp,  the geni^ 


ELECTRA.  yf^i 

Thy  Consort,  nor  with  diadem      * 
Received  thee,  nor  with,  flowery  wreath. 

Bat  privy  to  Agisthus*  foul  design. 

The  two-edg'd  faichioo  rais'd  to  aid  her  paramoar. 

CHORUS,  ELECTRA.    , 

CHORUS. 

ODE. 

I.  1. 
(^)  O,  DaughW  of  Atrides,  I  with  haste 

Repair  to  this  thy  rustic  home : 
A  man  who  feeds  on  milk,  inur'd  to  roam 

Over  the  mountain's  dreary  waste. 
From  Argos  comes,  and  tells  us  they  proclaim 
That  solemn  feast  the  third  revolving  day. 

When  the  assembled  virgins  gay 
In  concert  celebrate  Saturnia^s  name ; 

ELECTRA. 
11.   1. 
Nor  can  the  splendor  of  a  noble  birth, 
Or  costly  gems  elate  my  drooping  heart, 
«I  in  the  dance  can  bear  no  part, 
Nor  join  the  nymphs  of  Argos  in  their  mirth. 
With  agile  step' rebounding  from  the  floor; 
My  sorrows  never  cease  to  flow. 
Each  day  {  my  hard  fate  deplore. 
And  every  thot^t  beside  is  lost  in  woe. 

tive  of  sPMrVi,  9tq/ikM  9b  itioere,  im  coMequenoc  of  Dr.  MuBgrate^ 
lecommendatio&iiilufiiote:  lamiibo  under  farther  obligatioDB  to  bU 
edition,  for  the  aoistance  it  hm  iumidied  me  with  in  translating  the 
JucceecBng  Ode. 

(2)  Pfaitarch  ii^  his  life  of  Lysander,  the  Spartan  General,  informs  iw^. 
iQmt  when  Athens  had  surrendered  to  his  victorioos  arms,  consultations 
were  held,  m  which  it  was  proposed  to  destroy  the  city  and  reduce  its 
infaabitanti  to  sbK?eiy ;  but  that  the  conquerors  were  all  so  much  affected 
by  bearing  tins  Ode  song  by  a  Phocian  at  one  of  their  banquets,  that 
they  agreed  it  would  be  an  unworthy  action  to  destroy  the  place  which 
tbstertd  fock  exalted  gentoies.  V.  i,  p.  441,  ed.  Rualdi,  €bl.  Paris  I6e4^ 


V 


Z.'jt^I'S      xT  TUil   TIlJiM.V 


^rrvR^riv  rr£F  TiOKDEi^    >K     .  T  VKUIVE  DOMIXIOXS. 


/  * 


E  L  E  C  T  R  A. 


x2 


PERSONS  OF  THE  DRAMA. 


A  PEASANT  OF  MYCENE, 

ELECTRA.   . 

ORESTES.  /  '  •        ;       ?       ^     '  ' 

PYLADES. 

CHORUS  OP  ARGIYE  COUNTRY  WOxAIEN, 

CLYTEMNESTRA, 

OLD  MAN, 

MESSENGER. 

CASTOR  AND  POLLUX.- 


PCENE— ON  THE  BOIIU^RS  OF  THE  AP.CJIVE  DOMINIONS^ 


HERCULES  DISTRACTED.  «41 

AMPHITRYON. 

Farewell  too,  O  my  Son. 

HERCULES. 

My  ChiWrem 
later  as  I  directed* 

AMPHITRYON. 

O,  my  Son, 
But  who  will  bury  me  ? 

HERCULES. 

I. 

AMPHITRYON. 

When  will  you 
Come  hither? 

HERCULES. 

After  thou  hast. for  my  Childreli 
Perfohu'd  that  pious  office. 

AMPHITRYON. 

How? 

HERCULES^ 

ru  fetch  thee 
From  Thebes  to  Athens.  •—  Bear  into  the  palace 
My  Children's  corses  which  pollute  the  ground. 
But  as  for  me,  who  have  disgrac'd  and  plunged 
My  house  in  ruin,  I  will  follow  Theseus, 
Tow'd  like  a  battered  skiff.    Whoe'er  prefers 
'  Wealth  or  dominion  to  a  stedfast  friend. 
Judges  amiss. 

CHORUS. 

Most  wretched,  drown'd  in  tear^ 
jReft  of  our  great  protector^  we  depart* 


vol.  IIU 


c 


'  -        :  i^. 


( 


846  ELECTRA. 

Nor  would  affiance  her  to  any  Bridegroom. 

But  since  here  too  great  danger  lay,  in  secret. 

Lest  by  some  noble  youth  she  might  be  pregoftnt ; 

He  with  atrocious  cruelty  resolvM 

To  murder  her :  yet,  tho*  to  virtue  lost. 

Her  Mother  sav'd  her  from  ^gisthus'  hand. 

For  with  a  fair  pretence  had  she  been  arm'd  ^ 

i^gainst  her  slaughtered  Husband,  but  now  ient^d 

She  by  her  Children*s  murder  might  provoke 

Hie  public  hate,    ^gisthus  therefore  fram'd 

This  stratagem ;  to  whosoe'er  shall  slay 

The  Son  of  Agamemnon,  who  had  'scap*d, 

A  voluntary  exile,  from  this  land. 

He  promisM  large  rewards,  and  for  a  Wife 

Electra  gave  to  me,  who  am  the  Son 

Of  Argive  parents,  and  on  this  account 

Fear  no  malign  reflections,  for  I  spring 

From  an  illustrious  race,  tlio'  my  possessions 

Are  scanty,  whence  my  noble  birth  to  me 

Proves  ineffectual :  that  bestowing  her 

In  marriage  on  a  man  of  humble  station, 

He  from  her  Husband  might  have  less  to  fear* 

For  if  some  youth  of  an  exalted  rank 

Had  wedded  her,  that  vengeance  for  the  death 

Of  Agamemnon,  which  at  present  sleeps,^ 

His  interest  might  have  rous'd  into  a  flar^e, 

So  had  iEgisthus  suffered  as  he  ought. 

That  I  did  ne'er  contaminate  her  bed. 

For  me  can  Venus  witness ;  she  remains 

A  virgin  still :  unworthy  as  I  am. 

The  Daughter  of  so  great  a  man  I  blush 

To  violate.    But  I  bewail  the  l^te 

Of  that  unhappy  Prince,  Orestes,  joinM 

In  nominal  affinity  with  me. 

Should  he,  returning  to  the  Argive  land. 

His  Sister's  hapless  marriage  e'er  bi^hoM. 

As  for  the  wretch  who  brands  me  with  the  nam^ 


HERCULES  DISTRACTED.  S4i 

AMPHITRYON. 

Farewell  too,  O  my  Son. 
HERCULfiS. 

My  ChiWrem 
Inter  as  I  directed. 

AMPHITRYON. 

O,  my  Son, 
But  who  will  bury  me  ? 

HERCULES. 
I. 

AMPHITRYON. 

When  will  you 
Come  hither? 

HERCULES. 

After  thou  hast  for  my  Children 
Perforiw'd  that  pious  office. 

AMPHITRYON. 

How? 

HERCULES, 

III  fetch  thee 
From  Thebes  to  Athens.  —  Bear  into  the  palace 
My  Children's  corses  which  pollute  the  ground. 
But  as  for  me,  who  have  disgrac'd  and  plunged 
My  house  in  ruin,  I  will  follow  Theseus, 
Tow'd  like  a  battered  skiff.    Whoe'er  prefers 
'  Wealth  or  dominion  to  a  stedfast  friend. 
Judges  amiss. 

CHORUS, 

Most  wretched,  drowned  in  teani\, 
lleft  of  our  great  protector,  we  depart* 


vol.  iiu 


-:   i-_ 


• 


448  ELECTRA. 

I  ought,  exerting  all  my  strength,  to  make 
Your  toils  the  lighter,  and  with  you  ^ivide 
The  load,  that  you  more  easily  may  bear  thetxTr 
Laborious  tasks  enough  witbolit  these  doors. 
To  you  belong,,  but  'tis  on  me  incumbent 
0*er  each  domestic  office  to  preside : 
For  when  the  labourer  from  abroad  returns. 
How  sweet  is  it  to  find  all:  well  within  f 

PEASANT. 

If  such  thy  pleasure,  go:  for  from  this  house 
The  fountains'  are  not  distant.     But  when  first 
Appears  the  da}',  will  I  drive  forth  mj  oxen. 
And  sow  the  furrows.     For  no  slothftil  man. 
Who  is  for  ever  prating  of  the  Gods, 
Can  gain  a  sustenance  exempt  frdm  toil.  [Exee^/zA 

ORESTES,  PYLAIWESv 

ORESTES. 

Thee,  O  my  Pylades,  1  deem  the  firsr 
Of  men,  £0y  th}>  fidelity  and  friendship. 
And  my  unsever'd  comrade;  for  thou  only  ^ 

Hast  still  attached  thyself  to  thy  Orestes, 
Thus  wretched  a»  I  am,,  and  suffering  wrongs*  ' 

Most  dreadful  froin  ^gisthus,  who  hath  slain:  I 

My  Sire,  assisted  in  that  impious  deed 
By  my  abandon'd  Mother.     But  I  come,. 
For  thus  the  Gods'  oracular  responses  • 
Directed,  to  my  natal  Argive  soil, 
Wiih  no  man's  privity  but  thine,  to- wreak 
On  those  who  muider'd  him,  my  Father's  death  :. 
This  very  night  I  visited  his  tomb^ 

And  o'er  it  shed  full  many  a  duteous  tear;  I 

My  tresses  cut,  and  sprinkled  on*  the  pyre 
The  blood  of  a  slain  sheep,  all  nnobserv'd 

By  the  tyrannic  rulers  of  the  land.  I 

I  do  not  set  my  foot  within  the  wall9> 
But  having  fram'd  at  once  two  different  projects,  ' 


ELECTRA:  «4!3f 

Come  to  the  borders  of  this  realm^  by  flight^ 
That  to  some  other  land  I  may  escape. 
If  any  spy  should  know  me  while  I  search 
My  Sister  out,  (for  here  they  say  she  dwells, 
Join'd  in  th^  nup;ial  bond,  and  is  no  longer 
A  virgin)  that  with  her  I  may  converse. 
And  for  my  partner  in  the  bloody  deed. 
Receiving  her,  with  certainty  learn  all 
That  passes  in  the  city.     I^et  us  now. 
Because  the  morn  her  shining  forehead  rearsy 
Step  from  the  beaten  path  aside:  for  soon. 
Wiil  there  some  husbandman  or  female  servant 
To  us  appear,  of  whom  we  may  enquire. 
If  here  my  Sister  dwell.     But  I  behold      .     .    , 
Some  menial  Damsel,  On  her  shorn  l^ead  bearing 
A  ponderous  vase^f  water ;  let  us  sit 
And  listen,  if  perchance  she  may  let  fall 
Some  word  relating  to  the  important  schemes^ 
O  P)'lades,  which  brought  us  to.  this  land*. 

\They  retreat  to  the  back  Fatt  of  tic  Stagc^ 

ELECTRA. 

ODE. 

I. 

Haste,  for  the  time  admits  not  of  delay. 

My  gentle  comrades  hither  haste 
And  shed,  O  shed  the  sympathetic  tear* 
Ah  me  I  frorti  Agamemnon  mighty  Chief^ 

AndClytemnestra,  h«  ted  child 

Of  Tyndarus,  I  deriVe  my  birth. 
By  piiying  Citizens 
Electra  the  unhappy  am  I  nam*d. 
Sentenc'd  to  toil  thro^  a  disastrous  life  ; 

But  thou,  my  Sire,  meantime  are  slretcbt;^    . 
O  Son  of  Atreus,  'midst  the  drear  abodes 

Of  Orcus,  by  thy  Consort  slain. 
And  curst  ^gigthus'  bloody  band^ 

Repeat,  my  iViendai^  the  plaintive  straio ; 
Th'  afflicted  find  a  luxury  in  tear9w 


fiSO  ELECTRiL 

II. 

Haste^  for  the  time  admits  not  of  delay. 

My  gentle  comrades  hither  haste 
And  sbedy  O  shed  the  sympathetic  tear. 
Ah  me  !  my  wrenched  Brother^  in  what  realm. 

What  house  art  thon  etislav'd,  to  woes 

Inevitable  woes  expos'd 
In  her  paternal  dome 
Leaving  thy  Sister  ?  aid  me,  righteous  Jove, 
Rescne  thy  votary  compass'd  by  distress. 

And  of  my  Father's  cruel  death 
Now  shew  thyself  th'  avenger,  to  his  home 

Recall  Orestes,  exil'd  youth. 

Take  from  my  head  this  ponderous  vase, 
*Tbat,  in  a  tone  more  audible, 
With  midnight  plaints  I  may  address  my  Sire ; 

III. 
For  thee  who  sleep'st  beneath  the  hollow  ground, 

I  wake  the  clamorous  song,  the  dirge 
To  which  grim  Pluto  listens  with  delight. 

Such  is  my  daily  exercise ; 

Rend  with  my  nails  my  bleeding  neck. 
And  strew  these  auburn  tresses  in  the  dust. 
Some  tuneful  cygnet  gliding  down  the  stream. 

Thus  calls  upon  her  parent  bird. 

Caught  in  the  treacherous  soare. 

Who  perish'd :  with  like  strains  I  wail 
Thee,  O  my  Sire,  o'er  whom  ihe  layer's  drops 

Were  sprinkled  for  the  last  last  time 

On  that  most  piteous  bed  of  death. 

To  thee,  my  Sire,  the  murderous  axe 
Then  gave  the  fatal  stroke 
And  in  a  fatal  hour  didst  thou  (1)  repose. 
After  thy  voyage  from  the  Phrygian  shore. 

r 

(l)Iii  the  stead  ot  fi^hof,  propter  concUhmi,  ^Meh  in  this  passage 
•appeared it  me  quitainiirtenigible,  I fasfisdbstHated  vMvvif,  ttte  geni* 


ELECTRA.  ^ttu 

Thy  Consort,  nor  with  diadem 
ReceiVd  thee,  nor  with,  flowery  wreath, 

But  privy  to  /Egisthnft*  foul  design, 

The  two<^dg^d  falchion  raised  to  aid  her  paramoar. 

CHORUS,  ELECTRA.    . 

CHORUS. 

ODE. 

I.  1. 

(^)  O,  Daughter  of  Atrides,  I  with  baste 

Repair  to  this  thy  rustic  home : 
A  man  who  feeds  on  milk,  inur'd  to  roam 

Over  the  mountain's  dreary  waste. 
From  Argos  comes,  and  tells  us  they  proclaim 
That  solemn,  feast  the  third  revolving  day. 

When  the  assembled  virgins  gay 
In  concert  celebrate  Saturnia's  name ; 

ELECTRA. 
II.   1. 

Nor  can  the  splendor  of  a  noble  birth, 

Or  costly  gems  elate  my  drooping  heart, 
'I  in  the  dance  can  bear  no  part, 

Nor  join  the  nymphs  of  Argos  in  their  mirth,. 

With  agile  step  rebounding  from  the  floor; 
My  sorrows  never  cease  to  flow. 
Each  day  I  my  hard  fate  deplore. 

And  every  thought  beside  is  lost  in  woe. 

five  of  «dw/Ve,  «eq|ite  th  itinere,  im  caaaequence  of  Dr.  MingraYe^ 
recommendatioii  in  lui  note:  I  am  also  niukr  futfaer  obligatioiis  to  his 
edition,  for  the  asHstance  it  has  Avnisfaed  me  with  in  translating  the 
succeedfaig  Ode. 

(3)  Phrtarcbii^his  life  of  Lysander,  the  Spartan  General,  informs  iw^ 
tet  when  Athens  had  surrendered  to  his  victorious  arms,  consultatiotts 
were  hdd,  in  which  it  was  proposed  to  destroy  the  city  and  reduce  its 
InhabitantB  to  sbyeiy ;  but  that  the  conquerors  were  all  so  much  affected 
by  bearing  tins  Ode  song  by  a  Phocian  at  one  of  their  banquets,  that 
they  agreed  it  would  be  an  unworthy  action  to  destroy  the  place  which 
ibftertd  fuch  exalted  gentoses.  V.  l,  p.  411,  ed.  Rnaldi,  ibl.  Paris  16^4^ 


tee  ELECTRA. 

Behold  my  clotted  hair^  my  garments  rent! 

For  Agamemnon's  reign  is  o'er^. 

Nor  is  il  now  remember'd  nJOre  • 
That  he  from  whom  I  trace  my  high  descent 

Did  erst  the  pride  of  Troy  confound. 

Whose  towers  he  leveird  witli  the  ground. 

CHORUS. 

(.0)  She  is  a  Goddess  of  resistless  might. 

Bat  by  thy  handmaids  be  tliou  drefst 
In  gorgeous. robes,  and  wear  the  tissued  vest. 

To  make  thy  bfeauty  sbinemore  bright; 
Deem'st  thou  to  conquer  those  thou  hat'st  by  tears. 
If  in  devotion  to  the  Gods  thou  fail  ?    ' 

Better  than  groans,  will  prayers  uvail. 
To  make  Heaven  smile,  and  bless  thy  future  year*. 

ELECTRA* 
11.  2. 

No  Deity  now  hears  the  doleful  tale 
Of  lost  Electra :  by  my  Sire  in  vain 

Erst  was  the  lovely  fl)  Victim  slaioip 
Nor  the  deceased  alone  do  I  bewail^ 
My  tears  are  to  that  living  wanderer  due^ 

Station'd  in  foreign  realms,  forIora> 

An  exile,  who  his  fate  doth  rue 
tn  bitter  thraldom  pent,  tho'  nobly  born* 
Myself  in  a  poor  cottage  must  reside, 

Banish 'd  from  my  paternal  dome, 

And  call  these  barren  rocks  my  hotoe: 

(5^)  BothBaraes  and  CarmeUi  translate  tliis  as  if  spoken  of  Fortone .' 
bat  Dr.  Masgrave  says,  that  Jono  is  here  meant,  which  plainly  appears 
to  be  the  cas6  from  the  £rst  Strophe,  with  which  this  Antistrophe  cor- 
responds, concluding  with  the  mention  of  that  Goddess,  e^ecially  a» 
these  are  both  put  into  the  months  of  the  Choral,  and  the'intennhediat^ 
Strophe  into  that  of  ElecU-a. 

(4)  Her  Sister  Iphifefiia* 


ELECTRA. 

Of  foo]^  bQcause>  fiUbo'  iuto  mj  hxnm 
I  halve  received  a  virgin  io  the  l)looin 
Of  jouU}»  froni  h^r  embracfSd  I  afastaiD, 
Let  him  knpw  ikn,  bjr  the  perverted  line 
Of  his  own  soul  be  measores  contioeac^. 
And  is  himself  the  ideot  i^e  despises. 

ELECTRA,  PEASANT. 

XU3CI1IA. 

O  sable  Night,  niurse  of  yon  golden  stars^ 
Who  aid'st  me,  while  sustaining  on  my  bead 
This  ponderous  vase,  I  from  the  rifcr  bring 
Its  waters;  not  becauae  I  am  reduc'd 
To  such  great  ind^enpe^  'bat  that  the  wrongs 
I  from  JEgistbua  sufier,  to  the  Gods 
May  be  display'd,  while  I  send  up  these  plaints 
Into  the  spacious  6eki«  of  air,  add  nest 
To  my  departed  Sire.     For  Tyndarus'  Daughter, 
That  mo9t  maligoant  woman^  my  own  Motiber, 
Hath  from  the  re^l  naansien  cast  aae  forth. 
To  gratify  hek*  LomL    She,  having  borne 
A  second  race -of  Children  to  ^gisthus,' 
Looks  on  Orestes,  and  on  wretched  me^ 
As  strangers  to  her  house. 

Why  thus  for  me. 
Unhappy  Virgin,  toil'sft  tfaon ?  why  perform 
Such  menial  offices,  O  thon  wbo  «rst 
Wert  deliea^y  ]iui«ur'4l,  nor  desist 
At  my  enireaty? 

ELECTRA. 

You  I  bold  a  friend 
Equal  in  wodih  to  the  immortal  Gods : 
For  you  have  nevier  sported  with  my  sorrows. 
Blest  is  the  fate  of  jnortals,  when  they  find 
In  their  adversity  ^such  healing  aid 
As  I  ff  ofli  you  .experience.    Tho^  unbiddcnj^ 


247 


2M  EtECTRA. 

£LECTRA« 

I  here  stand  still,  for  I  am  wholly  left 
To  tby  discretion,  since  thou  art  endued 
With  greater  strengtht 

ORESTES. 

I  from  your  Brother  come 
To  bring  a  message. 

ELECTRA. 

O,  my  dearest  friend ! 
From  the  yet  living  dr  deceas'd  Orestes? 

ORESTES. 

He  lives :  for  I  would  first  to  thee  relate 
Tidings  of  joy. 

ELECTRA. 

May  every  bliss  reward. 
The  welcome  embassy. 

ORESTES. 

I  wish  the  same 
To  both  of  us  extended. 

ELECTRA. 

In  what  land 
Endures  the  wretched  youth  a  wretched  exile  ? 

ORESTES. 

]^ot  by  the  laws  of  one  peculiar  city 
Directed^  he  a  friendless  vagrant  pines* 

ELECTRA. 

Is  he  then  destitute  of  daily  food  i  ' 

ORESTES. 

Not  thus :  but  feeble  is  the  banisVd  man. 

ELECTRA. 

What  message  bring  you  from  him  ?  ^ 

ORESTES. 

He  enquires 
Whether  you  still  are  living,  and,  if  living. 
Where,  and  what  woes  you  suffer. 

ELECTRA. 

First  thou  see'st 


ELECTRA.  265 

How  wither'd  is  this  form. 

^  ORESTES* 

You  are  bo  wasted 
With  sorrow,  that  I  groan  for  you. 

ELECTRA. 

My  head 
Is  of  its  tresses  shorn* 

ORESTES. 

Perhaps  you  wail 
Your  Brother's  absence,  and  your  Father's  death. 

m^EcniA. 

Ah !  who  can  be  more  dear  to  me  than  these  i 

ORESTES. 

Think  yon  that  Brother  feels  the  same  for  you? 

ELECTRA« 

For  him>  tfao'  absent  istill  do  I  retain 
The  same  affection. 

OOEtESTES. 

On  this  spot,  how  long 
Thus  distant  Irom  the  oity  have  you  dwelt  i 

ELECTRA. 

An  inauspicious  nuptial, bond,  O  Stranger, 
Have  I  expcrietc'd. 

-  ORESTES. 
I  your  Brother  pity. 
To  some  one  of  Mycene  ar$  you  wedded  ? 

ELSCTRA. 

Not  as  my  Sire  erst  hop'd  to  have  hestow'd  me. 

ORESTES. 

jSpeak  more  explicitly,  that  what  I  hear 
I  to  yonr  Brother  may  relate. 

ELECTRA. 

Remote 
From  him  I  dwell,  these  lowly  roofs  beneath. 

ORESTES. 

Some  Husbandman  or  Neatherd  must  be  Master 
Of  such  a  house. 


ts6  ELECTRA; 

ELECTRA. 

Tho'.  he  be  poor,  yet  generouft 
Is  its  lahabitanty  with  pious  awe   v 
Who  treats  me» 

ORESTES. 
But  what  pious  awe  is  this 
By  which  your  Lord  is  influencM? 

ELECTRA. 

He  hath  ne'er 
Presuin*d  to  touch  my  bed. 

ORESTES. 

Doth  be  observe 
Some  vow  of  spotless  diastity,  which  erst 
He  to  the  Gods  bath  made,  or  loatlie  your  person  ? 

ELECTRA. 

Because  he  scrupled  to  bring  such  disgrace 
Upon  my  noble  parents. 

ORESTES. 

Such. a  Bride 
When  he  hafl  gain'd>  why  did  he  not  with  joy 
Beceive  you  to  his  arms  ? 

ELECTRA, 

He  cannot  deem 
O  Stranger,  him  who  thus  dbiipos*d  of  m^ 
To  be  his  lawful  Sovereign. 

ORESTES. 

1  perceive 
Your  meaning  :  lest  he  at  some  future  tin^e 
The  vengeance  of  Orestes  might  incur. 

ELECTRA. 

These  fears  had  great  effect,  and  most  of  all 
His  continence* 

ORESTES. 

How  generous  is  the  man*    . 
You  speak  of!  he  deserves  the  kindest  treatments 

ELECTRA. 

If  to  his  home  He  ever  should  return^ 


ELECTRA.  t57 

Who  now  is  absent. 

ORESTES. 

But  could  your  own  Mother, 
She  from  whose  womb  jou  springs  submit  to  this? 

ELECTRA. 

Women  befriend  their  Husbatids^  not  their  Childrent 

ORESTES. 

What  caus'd  iEgisthus^to  insult  you  thus? 

ELECTRA. 
He  wish'd  me  to  bring  forth  an  abject  race. 
And  for  that  purpose  on  this  abject  Mate 
Bestow'd  me. 

ORESTES. 

To  prevent  your  |)earing  Sons 
Who  might  avenge  their  Grandsire? 

ELECTRA, 

He  such  schemes 
Had  form'd,  for  which,  O  may  I  punish  him 
As  he  deserves. 

ORESTES. 

Knows  then  your  Mother's  Husband 

That  you  are  yet  a  virgin  ? 

ELECTRA. 

This  he  knows  not; 
From  him  have  we  conceal'd  it. 

ORESTES. 

Are  those  Women 
Who  overhear  our  conversation,  friends  ? 

ELECTRA. 

They  will  keep  secret  whatsoe'er  we  speak. 

ORESTES. 

What  could  Orestes  do,  if  he  returned 
ToArgos? 

ELECTRA. 

Canst  thou  doubt  ?.  thy  words  convey 
A  foul  reproach :  for  is  not  this  the  crisis  ? 

VOL.  1II#  9 


^g  ELECTRA. 

ORESTES. 

But  if  he  hither  come,  how  shall  he  slay 
The  murderers  of  his  Father? 

ELECTRA. 

He  on  them 
Must  dare  t'  inflict  whatever  that  Father  suflFer'd 
From  his  audacious  foes» 

ORESTES. 

Could  you  endure 

To  aid  him  in  the  slaughter  of  your  Mother  ? 

ELEdltA. 
E'en  with  that  axe  hy  which  my  Father  died. 

ORESTES. 
Shall  I  inform  him  of  it?  and  is  this 
Your  stedfait  resolution  ? 

electra. 

-       May  I  perish 
When  I  have  shed  my  guilty  Mother's  blood ! 

ORESTES* 

Ah,  would  to  Heaven  Orestes  were  at  hand 
And  overheard  you. 

ELECTRA. 

Stranger,  if  I  saw 

I  should  not  kiiow  him. 

ORESTES. 

Nor  is  this  surprizing  : 

For  in  your  tender  years  you  parted  from  him 
While  he  was  yet  a  child. 

EI.ECTRA. 

There's  but  one  friend 
Of  mine  would  know  him  now. 

ORfiSTES. 

He  who  is  said 
By  stealth  to  have  convey'd  him  from  the  murderers  ? 

ELECTRA. 

That  aged  Man  who  on  my  Father's  childhood 

Attended. 


ELECTRA. 


«M 


Thy  Consort,  nor  with  diadem      • 
ReceiVd  thee,  nor  with,  flowery  wreath, 

But  privy  to  /Egisthos*  foul  design, 

The  two^edg^d  falchion  raised  to  aid  her  paramovr. 

CHORUS,  ELECTRA.    . 

CHORUS. 

ODE. 

I.  1. 
(^)  O,  DaughW  of  Atrides,  I  with  baste 

Repair  to  this  thy  rustic  home : 
A  man  who  feeds  on  miik,  inur'd  to  roam 

Over  the  mountain's  dreary  waste. 
From  Argos  comes,  and  tells  us  they  proclaim 
That  solemn,  feast  the  third  revolving  day. 

When  the  assembled  virgins  gay 
In  concert  celebrate  Saturnia^s  name ; 

ELECTRA. 
II.    1. 

Nor  can  the  splendor  of  a  noble  birth, 
Or  costly  gems  elate  my  drooping  heart, 
'I  in  the  dance  can  bear  no  part, 
Nor  join  the  nymphs  of  Argos  in  their  mirth. 
With  agile  step  rebounding  from  the  floor; 
My  sorrGfWs  never  cease  to  flow. 
Each  day  I  my  hard  fate  deplore. 
And  every  thought  beside  is  lost  in  woe. 

five  of  wm/hty  «eq|He8  th  itinere,  hi  coaaeqneiice  of  Dr.  Musgrate^ 
recommendatioii  in  Ui  note:  I  am  also  wukr  farther  obMgatioDs  to  bis 
edition,  for  the  asHstance  it  1h»  Aumshed  me  with  in  trandatmg  the 
aucceedfaig  Ode. 

(3)  Pbitarcbii^  his  life  of  Lysander,  the  Spartan  General,  informs  ii»^ 
ftmt  xrkea  Athens  bad  surrendered  to  his  iric^orious  arms,  consultations 
were  hcAd,  in  which  it  was  proposed  to  destroy  the  city  and  reduce  its 
InhabitantB  to  sbyeiy ;  but  that  the  conquerors  were  all  so  much  affected 
by  bearing  dns  Ode  song  by  a  Phocian  at  one  oC  their  banquets,  that 
they  agreed  it  would  be  an  unworthy  action  to  destroy  the  place  which 
Ibttertd  foch  exalted  gentoies.  V,  l,  p.  411,  ed.liualdi,  ibl.  Paris  16^4^ 


teS  ELECTRA. 

i 

Behold  my  dotted  haijv  my  g^krmenU  rent! 

For  Agameninon's  reign  is  o'er^. 

Nor  is  li  now  remember*d  more  • 
That  he  from  whom  I  trace  my  high  descent 

Did  erst  the  pride  of  Troy  confound, 

Whose  towers  he  le^/el^d  witli  the  ground. 

CHORUS. 

X     o 

X.        4m*  ^ 

(.0)  She  is  a  Goddess  of  resistless  might. 

But  by  thy  handmaids  be  tliou  drefst 
In  gorgeous  robes,  and  wear  the  tissued  v<^st, 

To  make  thy  beauty  shine* more  bright;     ' 
Deem'st  thou  to  conquer  those  thou  hat'st  by  tears. 
If  in  devotion  to  the  Gods  thou  fail?    ' 

Better  than  gmans,  will  prayers  J^vail, 
To  make  Heaven  smile,  and  bless  tliy  future  yeara- 

ELECTRA* 

T 

11.  2. 
No  Deity  now  hears  the  doleful  tale 
Of  lost  Electra :  by  my  Sire  in  vain 

Erst  was  the  lovely  ^)  Victim  slaioip 
Nor  the  deceased  alone  do  I  bewail. 
My  tears  are  to  that  living  wanderer  due^ 

Station'd  in  foreign  realms^  forlora> 

An  exile,  who  bis  fate  doth  rue 
In  bitter  thraldom  pent,  tho'  nobly  boro. 
Myself  in  a  poor  cottage  must  reside, 

Banish 'd  from  iny  paternal  dome. 

And  call  these  barren  rocks  my  home: 

(5)  BothBaraes  and  (>urmeUi  translate  tliis  as  if  spoken  of  Fortone .' 
tint  Dr.  Mi^grave  says,  ihat  juno  is  here  meant,  which  plainly  appears 
to  be  the  cas6  froin  the  £rst  Strophe,  with  which  this  Antistrophe  cor- 
responds, concUiding  with  the  mendon  of  tliat  Goddess,  e^ecially  a» 
these  are  both  put  into  the  months  of  the  Chorum,  aUd  the' inteniie<fiatt 
Strophe  into  tbat  of  Electm. 

(4)  Mcr  Sister  Iphifeiiia- 


ELECTRA.  2jU 

With  a  fresh  Husband^  while  in  regal  pride. 
She  who  in  blood  her  hands  did  steep. 
My  guilty  Mother,  -  dares  to  sleep. 

CHOBUS. 

Of  many  woes,  to  Greece,  and  to  thy  house. 
Thy  Mother's  Sister  Helen  was  the  cause. 

ELECTRA. 

Alas !  my  friends,  I  am  constrain'd  to  cease 
From  uttering  my  complaints  :  for  certain  strangevs, 
Who  near  our  dwelling  lodge  in  th'  open  air. 
Are  started  up  from  ambush.     Fly,  do  you 
Keep  in  that  path,  while  I  the  door  will  enter,  .  . 

That  by  our  s^eed  we  may  outstrip  the  ruffians. 

ORESTES,  adtancing. 

Stay,  hapless  woman ;  stay,  nor  be  alarm*d  * 

At  my  detaining  you. 

ELECTRA. 

Thee  I  impiore, 
O  Phcebus,  save  my  life.. 

.     ORESTES. 

Not  you,  but  those 
To  whom  far  greater  enmity  1  bear. 
Am  I  resolv'd  to  slay. 

ELECTRA. 

Depart,  nor  touch  me 
With  those  unlicensed  haiids. 

ORESTES. 

1  cannot  lay  them 
On  any  one  more  justly. 

'  ELECTRA. 

-    Fur  what  cause, 
ArmM  with  that  sword,  dost  thou  conceal  thyself 
Close  to  my  house  ? 

ORESTES. 

Stay,  hear  pie  ;  and  ere  long 
Will  you  confess  that  I  have  truly  spoken. 


$M  ELECTRA. 

ELECHIA* 

I  here  stand  stilly  for  I  am  wholly  left 
To  thy  discretion^  since  thou  art  endued 
With  greater  strength. 

ORESTES. 

I  from  your  Brother  come 
To  bring  a  message^ 

ELEGTRA* 

O^  my  dearest  friend ! 
From  the  yet  living  or  deceas'd  Orestes? 

ORESTES. 

He  lives :  for  I  would  first  to  thee  relate 
Tidings  of  joy. 

ELECTRA. 

May  every  bliss  reward. 
The  welcome  embassy. 

ORESTES. 

I  wish  the  same 
To  both  of  us  extended. 

ELECTRA. 

In  what  land 
Endures  the  wretched  youth  a  wretched  exile  ? 

ORESTES. 

Not  by  the  laws  of  one  peculiar  city 
Directed^  he  a  friendless  vagrant  pines* 

ELECTRA. 

Is  he  then  destitute  of  daily  food  ?  ' 

ORESTES. 

Not  thus  :  but  feeble  is  the  banisVd  man. 

ELECTRA* 

What  message  bring  you  from  him  ?  ' 

ORESTES. 

He  enquires 
Whether  you  still  are  living,  and,  if  living. 
Where,  and  what  woes  you  suffer. 

ELECTRA. 

First  thou  see'st 


ELECTRA.  S55 

How  withered  is  this  form. 

f^  ORESTES* 

You  are  so  wasted 
With  sorrow,  that  I  groan  for  you. 

ELECTRA. 

My  head 
Is  of  its  tresses  shorn*  « 

ORESTES. 

Perhaps  you  wail 
Your  Brother's  absence,  aud  your  Father's  death. 

ELECTHil. 

Ah !  who  can  be  more  dear  to  me  than  these  P 

ORESTES. 

Think  yon  that  Brother  feels  the  same  for  youi 

ELECTRA. 

For  him>  tho'  absent  jtill  do  I  retain 
The  same  afiection, 

ORESTES. 

On  this  spotj  how  long 
Thus  distant  JTom  the  oity  have  you  dwelt  i 

ELECTRA. 

An  inauspicious  nuptial, bond,  O  Stranger, 
Have  I  experienc'd. 

ORESTES. 
I  your  Brother  pity. 
To  some  one  of  Mycene  ar$  you  wedded  i 

ELECTRA. 

Not  as  my  Sire  erst  hop'd  to  have  hentow'd  ne. 

ORESTES* 

Speak  more  explicitly,  that  what  I  hear 
I  to  your  Brother  may  relate. 

ELECTRA. 

Remote 
From  him  I  dw€ll,  these  lowly  roofs  beneath. 

ORESTES. 

Some  Husbandman  or  Neatherd  must  be  Master 
Of  such  a  house. 


t56  ELECTRA; 

ELECTRA. 

Tho'.  he  be  poor,  yet  generoiM 
Is  its  Inhabitant,  with  pious  awe   v 
Who  treats  me. 

ORESTES. 

But  what  pious  awe  is  this 
By  which  y©ur  Lord  is  irifluenc'd? 

£l£CTRA. 

He  hath  ne*er 
Prcsum*d  to  touch  my  bed. 

ORESTES. 

Doth  he  observe 
Some  vow  of  spotless  chastity,  which  erst 
He  to  the  Gods  bath  made,  or  loathe  your  person? 

ELECTRA. 

Because  he  scrupled  to  bring  such  disgrace 
Upon  my  noble  parents. 

ORESTES. 

Such. a  Bride 
When  be  had  gain*d,  why  did  he  not  with  joy 
Receive  you  to  his  arms  ? 

ELECTRA, 

He  cannot  deem 
O  Stranger,  him  who  thus  di&pos*d  of  m^ 
To  be  his  lawful  Sovereign. 

ORESTES. 

1  perceive 
Your  meaning  :  lest  he  at  some  future  timtt 
The  vengeance  of  Orestes  might  incur. 

ELECTRA. 

These  fears  had  great  effect,  and  most  of  all 
His  continence. 

OREStES. 

How  generous  is  the  man^ 
You  speak  of!  he  deserves  the  kindest  treatmenti. 

ELECTRA, 

If  to  his  home  He  ever  should  return^ 


ELECTRA.  t57 


Who  now  is  absent. 


ORESTES. 

But  could  your  own  Mother, 
She  from  whose  womb  you  spring,  submit  to  this? 

ELECTRA. 

Women  befriend  their  Husbatads,  not  their  Children, 

ORESTES. 

What  caus'd  iEgisthus  to  insult  you  thus? 

ELECTRA. 

He  wish'd  me  to  bring  forth  an  abject  race. 
And  for  that  purpose  on  this  abject  Mate 
Bestow'd  me. 

ORESTES. 

To  prevent  your  |>earing  Sons 
Who  might  avenge  their  Grandsire? 

ELECTRA. 

He  such  schemes 
Had  form'd,  for  which,  O  may  I  punish  him 
As  he  deserves. 

ORESTES. 

Knows  then  your  Mother's  Husband 
That  you  are  yet  a  virgin  ? 

ELECTRA. 

This  he  knows  not ; 
From  him  have  we  conceal'd  it. 

ORESTES. 

Are  those  Women 
Who  overhear  our  conversation,  friends  ? 

ELECTRA. 

They  will  keep  secret  whatsoe'er  we  speak. 

ORESTES. 

What  could  Orestes  do,  if  he  returned 
To  Argos  ? 

ELECTRA. 
Canst  thou  doubt?:  thy  words  convey 
A  foul  reproach :  for  is  not  this  the  crisis  ? 

VOL.  III.  s 


^8  ELECTRA. 

ORESTES. 

But  if  he  hither  come,  how  shall  he  slay 
The  murderers  of  his  Father? 

ELECTRA. 

He  on  them 
Must  dare  f  inflict  whate'er  that  Father  sufFer'd 
From  his  audacious  foes. 

ORESTESi 

Could  you  endure 
To  aid  him  in  the  slaughter  of  your  Mother  i 

ELECtRA. 

E'en  with  that  axe  by  which  my  Father  died. 

ORESTES. 

Shall  I  inform  him  of  it?  and  is  this 
Your  stedfa^t  resolution  ? 

ELtCTRA. 

May  I  perish 
When  I  have  shed  my  guilty  Mother's  blood  1 

ORESTES. 

Ah,  would  to  Heaven  Orestes  were  at  hand 
And  overheard  you. 

ELECTRA. 

Stranger,  if  I  saw 
I  should  not  know  him. 

ORESTES. 

Nor  is  this  surprizing : 

For  in  your  tender  years  you  parted  firom  him 
While  he  was  yet  a  child. 

ELECTRA. 

There's  but  one  friend 
Of  mine  would  know  bim  now. 


ORESTES. 


He  who  is  said 
By  stealth  to  have  convey'd  him  from  the  murderers? 

lELECtRA. 

That  aged  Man  who  on  my  Father's  childhood 

Attended. 


PLECTRA.  ^99 

ORESTES. 

Did  your  Father  after  death 
Obtain  a  tomb f 

ELECTRA. 

The  boon  that  he  obtained 
Was  only  being  cast  forth  from  his  palace. 

ORESTES. 

Ah  me,  how  horrible  a  speech  is  this 
Which  you  have  utter'd  !  fot  e'en  those  sensc^tions 
A  stranger's  sufferings  must  excite^  torment 
The  human  breast.     But  speak;  that  I  may  bear 
With  certainty  such  tidings  to  your  brother 
As,  tho'  they  are  unwelcome^  must  be  heard. 
For  'mong  the  wise  is  tender  pity  founds 
Not  in  the  haunts  of  slothful  ignorance.  ' 
Yet  mischief  still  ensues  whene'er  the  soul 
Attempts  to  soar  too  high. 

CHORUS. 

By  the  same  wishes 
With  him  am  I  inspired :  for  having  dwelt 
Far  from  the  city,  I,  what  mischiefs  there 
Have  happen'd,  know  not,  and  am  anxious  now 
To  be  inform'd. 

ELECTRA. 

If  lawful^  I  will  speak ; 
And  to  a  friend  it  surely  must  be  lawful 
Mine  and  my  Father's  sufferings  to  unfold. 
Since  at  thy  instigation  I  begin 
This  topic,  I  beseech  thee  to  acq'Uaint 
Orestes,  O  thou  Stranger,  with  my  woes 
And  with  his  own :  describe  the  dress  I  wear. 
The  filth  which  shames  m^e^  and  beneath  what  roofs 
I  dwell,  tho*  born  a  Princess  ;  with  the  shuttle 
Weaving  my  garments,  else  should  I  be  naked 
And  left  expos'd  to  indigence ;  myself 
These  loads  of  water  bearing,  here  deprived 
Of  holy  festivals,  of  choral  ritesj 

8  ^ 


460  ELECfRA. 

And  tho'  I  am  a  virgin  still,  estrang'd 

E'en  from  the  socfeil  ple^&ures  of  iny  sex. 

From  Castor  too  estrang'd,  who  was  afBanc'd 

To  me  his  kinswoman,  before  he  found 

Adaiission  'mongst  the  Gods.     My  Mother  sits> 

With  Phrygian- spoils  surrounded,  on  a  throne; 

While  at  her  footstool,  Asiatic  slaves 

Observant  stand,  my  Father's  captives,  clad 

In  robes  of  Ida  bound  with  golden  clasps. 

But  Agamemnon's  blood,  which  on  the  v^alls 

Was  sprinkled,  there  still  putrefying  hatigS) 

While  he  who  mnrder'd  him-  ascends^  the  car 

Which  bore  my  Father,  and  exulting  wields 

In  his  polluted  hands  that  envied  sceptre 

With  which  the  mighty  victor,  novi^  deceased. 

Erst  exercis'd  o'er  Greece  supreme  command. 

Meanwhile  the  slighted  AgamemDon's  tomb. 

No  rich  libation  hath  receiv'd,  no  branch 

Of  verdant  myrtte,  his  funereal  p)^re 

Is  with  no  pomp' of  holy  rites  adorn'd. 

But  this  egregious  Httsbaod  of  my 'Mother 

Leaps  ot¥  bis  grave,  'tis  said,  wheii  flushed  with  wine. 

And  tj  deface  my  Father's  monument 

Hurls  many  a  ponderous :stond,  nor  fears  'gainst  us 

To  utter  words  like  these ;  ^'  Where  liow  thy  son 

''  Orestes?  Comes ^ not  that  heroio  youth 

"  To  guard  thy  Domb  ?"  he  thus  insoits  the  absent: 

Therefore,  O  Stranger,  I  entreat  thee,  bear 

This  message  to  my  Brother  :  there  are  many 

Who  join  in  dictating  it,'  (I  alon« 

Am  their  interpreter)  these  hands,  tbis  tongue. 

My  wretched  heart,  shorn  head,  and  the  remaitis 

Of  my  illustrious  Father :  for  'twere  base  ^ 

If  Agamemnon  crush'd  the  Phrygian  host, 

Yet  by  his  single  arm  he  cannot  slay 

One, man,  tho'  now  he  flourish  in  tbepride 

Of  youth,  and  spring  from  such  a  noble  Sire* 


ELECTRA.  26i 

CHOfiUS. 

Thy  Husband,  hasting  homeward  to  repose. 
Now  wearied  with  his  labours,  I  behold, 

PEASANT,  ELECTRA,  ORESTES,  PY  LADES, 

^^    CHORUS. 

PEASANT. 

Ha !  who  are  these  wTiom  at  the  doors  I  view  ? 
Why  come  these  sti'angers  to  our  rustic  hut? 
Or  need  they  my  assistance?  w'r!»  young  men 
To  parly,  in  a  woman  is  unseemly. 

ELECTRA.  X 

Form  no  suspicions,  O  my  dearest  Lord, 
Injurious  to  my  honour.     You  shall  know 
What  really  was  said  :   f)r  from  Orestes 
To  me  these  gue.^ts  of  ourc  a  message  brought. 
Pardon  him,  Strangers,  iF  be  spoke  amiss. 

PEAS.VNT. 

(5)  What  say  they?  lives  he  ?  doth  he  view  the  Sun  ? 

ELECTRA. 

If  their  accounts  be  true,  and  to  their  words 
My  credence  I  refuse  not,  he  yet  lives. 

PEASANT. 

Alight  of  his  Father's  wrongs,  doth  he  remember, 
And  thv  calamities? 

ELECTRA. 

I  entertain 
Such  hopes:  but  feeble  is  the  banish'd  man. 

PEASANT. 

But  with  what  message  came  they  from  Orestes? 

(5)  Peter  Victorius,  in  his  Various  Readings,  L.  2,  c.  19,  and  after 
liHn,  Barnes,  point  out  Andromache's  exclamation ; 

Quid  pucr  Ascanius  P  superatnc  Sc  vescitur  aiu-a  ? 
Ecquae  jam  puero  est  amissee  cura  parentis  ? 
Ecquid  in  antiquam  virtutem,  animosq;  viriles 
£t  pater  Mnem  <&  avimcahis  excitat  Hector  ? 

Virgil  iEn.  L.  3,  v.  339. 
as  imitated  from  tliis  and  the  stihscquent  speech  of  the  Peasant.  Virgil** 
copies  arc  almost  uniformly  improvements  on  the  origtoaL  ^ 


t6^2  ELECTRA. 

ELfiCTRA. 

He  sent  them  to  explore  my  woes. 

PEASANT. 

They  see 
Only  a  part  of  them:  but  what  renjains 
Thou  canst  unfold. 

ELECTRA* 

» 

They  know  the  whole,  they  need 
No  farther  information. 

PEASANT. 

Long  ago 
Then  should  our  doors  to  them  have  been  thrown  open. 
Enter  this  house,  and  for  your  joyful  tilings 
Accept  what  fare  my  humble  roof  contains. 
Their  baggage,  O  ye  servants,  carry  in. 
Make  no  excuse,  for,  O  my  friends,  ye  come 
From  one  whom  I  hold  dear.     No  abject  manners, 
(6)  Tho'  I  am  poor,  to  you  will  I  betray. 

ORESTES. 

Inform  me,  I  conjure  you  by  the  Gods, 
Is  this  indeed  the  man,  who  joins  with  you 
In  the  concealment  of  your  nuptial  union. 
Thro'  an  unwillingness  to  shame  Orestes  i 

ELECTRA. 

*Tis  hin{i  they  call  the  poor  Electra's  Lord. 

ORESTES. 

There  is  no  certain  mark  of  generous  souls : 
For  in  the  tempers  of  mankind  prevails 
A  strange  confusion.     I  have  seen  the  son 
Of  a  great  father  dwindle  into  nothing. 
And  virtuous  children  spring  from  wicked  Sires  ; 
Among  the  rich  a  mean  contracted  spirit 
Have  I  discover'd,  and  the  poor  man's  breast 

(6)  It  is  by  no  means  improbable,  tliat  Virgil,  wlio  freqaently  imiltates 
Euripides,  may  hence  have  borrowed  Iiis  idea  of  the  reception  which 
Hercules,  and  afterwards  jEneas,  fonnd  in  the  humble  dweUing  of 
^vander.  ^ 


EL^CTRA.  /  «S8 

With  most  exalted  sentiments  inspired. 

How  then,  by  taking  an  impartial  vieWj^ 

Uhall  we  decide  aright  ?  by  making  wealth 

The  proof  <jf  merit  ?  'twere  an  evil  test. 

Or  having  no  possessions  ?.  but  this  corse 

Belongs  to  poverty,  it  teaches  man 

To  ;Bin  when  pinch'd  with  want.    To  his  exploits 

In  arms  shall  I  proceed  \   Who  can  discern 

By  looking  at  the  sharpness  of  his  spear 

What  warrior's  valiant?  it  were  best  to  leave 

Such  questions  undecided.    For  this  man 

Of  no  account  in  Argos,  nor  elated 

By  having  sprung  from  an  illustrious  housCi 

But  intermingled  with  the  abject  crowd, 

Hath  prov'd  most  virtuous.     Will  ye  ne'er  ^row  wUe 

Who  err  Aro^  empty  prejudice,  nor  learn 

From  studying  his  associates  and  his  manners 

To  estimate  man's  true  nobili|;y  ? 

For  such  are  they  who  minister  aright 

Both  states  aud  households :  but  ipere  flesh,  devoid 

Of  mental  powers  to  animate  the  mass^ 

An  useless  image  in  the  forum  stands. 

For  doth  the  Warrior  with  a  nervous  arm 

In  battle  constantly  maintain  his  ground 

Longer  than  one  more  feeble  ;  this  depends 

On  inborn  courage,  nature's  happiest  gift. 

Present  or  absent,  Agamemnon's  Son, 

On  whose  account  we  hither  come,  deserves. 

And  therefore  it  behoves  us  to  accept. 

The  proffered  hospitality:  my  servants. 

Enter  this  dwelling.    I  had  rather  find 

A  poor  man  who  with  cheeffulness  receives  «is. 

Than  a  rich  host.    The  bounty  of  this  Peasant 

I  therefore  praise,  altho'  I  rather  wish 

Your  Brother  here  triumphaiit,  who  might  lead  m.^ 

Into  a  festive  palace;  he  at  length 

Perhaps  will  come*    For  Phoebus'  oracles 


/ 


ft(54  ELECTRA. 

May  be  relied  on ;  but  I  disregard 
The  prophesies  of  men. 

[Exeunt  obestes  and  pylades. 

CHORUS. 

Our  hearts,  Electra, 
Are  warm'd  with  joys  we  never  felt  before. 
For  Fortune,  tho'  her  progress  hath  been  slow, 
May  fix  at  length  with  us  her  blest  abode, 

ELECTRA. 

When  you,  O  hapless  man,  were  well  aware 
.How  poor  your  cottage,  why  did  you  receive 
These  strangers  of  a  far  superior  rank  ? 

PEASANT- 

What,  if  they  are  as  noble  as  they  seem. 
Will  they  not  be  contented  with'our  food, 
Tho*  coarse  and  scanty  ? 

ELECTRA. 
.  Into  this  mistake, 
111  suiting  your  low  state,  since  you  have  fallen. 
Go  to  that  aged  Man  whose  tender  care 
Rear'd  my  lov'd  Father's  childhood;  on  the  banks 
Of  (7)  Tanos  which  divides  the  Argive  land 
From  Sparta,  he  attends  his  fleecy  charge 
An  exile  from  the  city  ;  bid  him  come, 
Fraught  with  provisions  from  his  ample  stores. 
These  Strangers  to  regale.     He  will  exult, 

(7)  The  following  account  of  this  river,  which  closes  the  Corintliiaca 
of  Pftusanias,  is  referred  to  by  Barnes :  **  Above  the  villages  of  Neris 
«  and  Eva  ii  a  mountain,  on  which  are  the  boundaiies  between  tlie 
*'  Lacedaemonians,  Arrives,  and  inhabitants  of  Tegca :  for  land-marks, 
^  are  erected  statues  of  Hermes  in  stone,  whence  the  place  derives 
^  its  name :  beneath  is  the  river  TYmos,  the  only  one  wliich  rises  in  the 
'<  mountain  Pamon,  and,  after  flowing  through  the  Argive  tej'ritories, 
''  empties  itself  into  the  gnlph  of  Thyrea  "*  Whether  we  read  T^nor 
with  Pausanias  and  Barnes,  or  TecMot  with  Victorins,  Heath,  and  Dr. 
Musgrave,  it  is  necessary  to  beware  of  confounding  this  river  with  the 
Tanais,  so  frequenUy  mentioned  both  by  the  Poets  and  Geographers, 
whick  runs  into  the  Palus  Mseotis,  after  forming  the  boundai'y  between 
some  part  of  the  north  of  Europe  and  Asia. 


ELECTRA.  265 

And  to  the  Gods  his  adorations  pay,  ^ 

Soon  as  he  bears  the  Boy  yet  lives  whom  erst 
His  zeal  preserv'd:  from  my  paternal  house 
Nought  at  my  Mother's  hand  will  I  accept. 
To  her  unwelcome  tidings  should  we  bear. 
If  that  unhappy  woman  were  informed 
That  yet  Orestes  lives, 

PEASANT. 

At  thy  request 
Will  I  deliver  to  that  aged  man 
Such  message  ;  but  go  thou  into  the^house 
And  make  all  ready  with  what  speed  thou  canst' 
A  woman,  for  the  guest,  if  so  inclined. 
With  store  of  savoury  viands  can  adorn 
Tbe  social  board.     1  have  enough  at  home 
To  feed  them  lor  a  single  day  at  least. 
When  on  these  matters  I  reflect,  I  mark 
How  great  the  power  of  riches,   to  bestow 
Upon  tbe  needy  stranger,  or  expend  them 
To  heal  our  bodies  wasting  with  disease. 
But  for  the  diet  of  one  day,  is  wealth 
Of  small  importance :  for  the  appetites 
Of  all  men,  whether  rich  or  poor,  demand 
An  equal  share  of  necessary  food. 

[Exeunt  electka  and  peasant. 

CHORUS. 

ODE/ 

« 

1.  ].. 
Ye  far'fam'd4>arks,  who  with  unnumber'd  oars 
Pursu'd  your  voyage  o'er  the  billowy  deep 

To  distant  Ilion's  fated  shores. 
Around  whose  prows,  attracted  by  the  lyre. 

Hung  curiing  Dolphins,  while  the  choir 
Of  Nereids,    underneath  the  craggy  steep. 

Led  their  wild  dance,  a  graceful  band  : 
With  Agamemnon  borne  to  Simois'  banks 


1 


266  ELECtBA. 

When  foremost  in  th'  embattled  ranks 
Achilles  vaulted  on  the  hostile  strand. 

I.  2. 

When  Kerens'  Daughters  left  Euboea's  coast. 
They  from  the  golden  anvil  bore  that  shield 

Adorn'd  with  sculptures,  Vulcan's  boast; 
O'er  Pelion's  height,  and  thro'  the  sacred  grove 

Oi'  Ossa,  did  the  virgins  rove, 
They  sought  where,by  the  woodland  nymphs  conceaFd, 

To  arms  the  noble  Peleus  train'd 
This  pride  of  Greece,  from  Thetis  sprung^  whose  sjpeed 

Urg'd  him  to  each  heroic  deed, 
While  his  firm  hand  th'  Atrides'  cause  maintain'd. 

IL  I. 

One  of  our  valiant  countrymen,  who  came 
From  Ilion's  ramparts  to  the  Nauplian  bay, 

Informs  me  that  these  ensigns  flame^ 
O  son  of  Thetis,  on  thy  burnish'd  shield 

Which  drove  Troy's  warriors  from  the  field ; 
Close  to  its  margin  Perseus  org'd  his  way 

The  billows  of  the  deep  above. 
His  crimson  falchion  stream'd  with  recent  gore. 

The  Gorgon's  dreadful  front  he  bore. 
Tended  by  Hermes  messenger  of  Jove. 

^  ir.  2. 

But  in  the  center  of  that  buckler  glow'd 
The  radiant  Sun,  his  winged  coursers  gay 

Flew  swift  along  ih'  etherial  road  ; 
The  Pleiades  and  Hyades,  whose  sight 

Struck  daring  Hectoi'  with  afFrig)it, 
Twinkled  around  :  exulting  o'er  their  grey, 

With  golden  claws  tliree  Sphinxes  grac'd 
His  helmet ;  on  bis  cuirass  wrought,  the  (8)  steed 

Of  fam'd  Pirene's  winged  breed 
By  the  Chimaera,  breathing  fire,  was  chas'd, 

(8)  Pegasue, 


ELECTRA.  '  £67 

in. 

The  hero  brandish'd  a  destructive  spear. 
And  drove  his  chariot  o'er  the  plain. 
While  pitchy  clouds  of  dust  hung  gathering  in  his  rear. 
The  King  who  led  these  warlike  troops  was  slaia 

After  the  hostile  strife, 
By  Tyndarus'  Daughter,  his  inhuman  Wife. 
Hence  will  the  Gods  demand  thy  forfeit  breath; 
Into  the  shades  of  death 
Shalt  thou  be  plunged  at  length,  tho'  late. 
And  with  thy  blood  my  vengeance  sate, 
When  I  behold  the  falchion  wav'd  around 
Full  on  thy  neck  inflict  the  wpund. 

OLD  MAN,  ELECTRA,  CHORUS. 

Where  is  the  royal  virgin  whom  I  nurtured. 
My  honoured  Mistress,  Agamemnon's  Daughter? 
How  hard  a  task  for  the  decrepid  feet 
Of  wrinkled  age  t' explore  the  steep  ascent 
Which  to  this  dwelling  leads!  yet  to  assist 
Our  friends,  the  back  tho'  bow'd  by  time,  the  knees 
Thd'  crooked,  must  exert  their  utmost  might. 
O  Daughter  (for  I  see  thee  at  thy  threshold), 
To  thee  I  come,  and  with  me  hither  bring 
This  tender  lamb  selected  from  the  fold; 
Garlands,  and  cheeses  from  the  wicker  press. 
With  this  long*hoarded  precious  gift  of  Bacchus, 
Whose  odour  is  most  grateful :  tho'  the  cask 
Be  small,  a  cup  of  this  with  water  mixt 
Will  make  a  pleasing  beverage.    To  the  guests 
Within,  let  some  one  with  these  presents  go. 
But  1  will  wipe  these  eyiss  all  drench'd  in  tears  . 
Upon  my  tatter'd  garment. 

ELECTRA. 

Down  vour  cheek 

•/ 

Why  steal  those  drops.  Old  Man  ?  have  my  aiHictions 


266  ELECtRA. 

When  foremost  in  th'  etabattled  ranks 
Achilles  vaulted  on  the  hostile  strand. 

I.  S. 
When  Nereus'  Daughters  left  Euboea's  coast, 
They  from  the  golden  anvil  bore  that  shield 

Adorn'd  with  sculptures,  Vulcan's  boast; 
O'er  Pelion's  height,  and  thro'  the  sacred  grove 

Of  Ossa,  did  ihe  virgins  rove, 
They  sought  where,by  the  woodland  nymphsconceal'd. 

To  arms  the  noble  Peleiis  train'd 
This  pride  of  Greece,  from  Thetis  sprung,  whose  speed 

Urg'd  him  to  each  heroic  deed, 
While  his  firm  hand  th'  Atrides'  cause  maiatatn'd. 

II.  I. 
One  of  our  valiant  countrymen,  who  came 
From  Ilion's  ramparts  to  the  Nauplien  bay, 

Informs  me  that  these  ensigns  flame, 
O  son  of  Thetis,  on  thy  bnrnish'd  shield 

M'hich  drove  Troy's  warriors  from  the  field  ; 
Close  lo  its  margin  Perseus  urg'd  his  way 

The  billows  of  the  deep  above, 
His  crimson  falchion  slream'd  with  recent  gore. 

The  Gorgon's  dreadful  front  he  boic. 
Tended  by  Hermes  messenger  of  Jove. 

ir.  2. 

But  in  the  center  of  that  buckler  glow'd 
The  radiant  Sun,  his  winged  coursers  gny 

Flew  swift  along  ih'  cilierial  road  ; 
TJic  Pleiades  and  Hyades,  whose  sight 

Struck  during  Hector  with  affrigyil. 
Twinkled  around  :  exulting  o'er  their  prey, 

With  golden  claws  three  Sphinxes  grac'd 
His  helmet  ;  on  his  cuirass  wrought,  the  (8) 

Of  fam'd  Pireoe's  winged  breed 
By  the  Chimsra,  breathing  fire,  was  ' 

(8)  VtBuf 


9 


268  ELECTRA. 

After  a  tedious  interval  occurr'd 
To  your  remembrance,  or  do  you  lament 
Orestes'  exile,  and  my  Sire,  whom  erst 
You  in  those  arms  sustaining,  with  a  zeal 
Which  nought  avail'd  to  you  or  to  your  friends 
Did  nurture  ? 

OLD  MAN. 

,  To  regret  his  loss  were  vain. 
Yet  this  I  could  not  bear :  for  to  his  grave, 
Turning  aside  from  the  frequented  road, 
I  came  and  shed  a  solitary  tear, 
Groveling  in  dust;  this  cask,  which  to  thy  guests 
1  bring,   then  opening,  sprinkled  a  libation. 
And  planted  myrtle  boughs  around  the  tomb: 
At  the  funereal  pyre  I  saw  the  victim 
A  sable  ram,  gore  newly  shed,  and  locks 
Of  auburn  hair.     I  wonder'd  much,  O  Daughter^ 
AVhat  mortal  with  adventurous  step  could  visit' 
The  spot  of  his  interment :  for  1  deem 
No  citizen  of  Argos  hath  been  there  : 
But  'tis  more  probable  thy  Brother  comes 
In  secret,  and  at  his  arrival  pays 
Due  honours  to  his  Father's  sepulchre. 
But  thoroughly  examine  these  shorn  (9)  tresses, 
And  with  thine  own  comparing  them,  observe 
Whether  the  colour  be  alike.     For  they 

(9)  These  fiivolous  marks  of  Orestes'  identity  are  evidently,  as  Brumoy 
and  Dr.  Musgrave  observe,  insisted  on  by  the  Old  Man,  and  ridicaled  by 
Electra,  merely  witii  a  view  of  exposing  the  absurdity  of  JEschylns,  id 
whose  Tragedy  on  this  subject,  intitled  Xctijwga,  or,  "  the  Bearers  of 
*'  Libatioqs  to  the  Dead,"  v.  200  —  233,  Electra  refuses  to  acknowledge 
her  Brother,  till  he  has  made  himself  known  to  her  by  these  very  three 
circumstances ;  the  traces  of  his  feet,  resemblance  of  his  hdir  to  hers, 
and  by  the  Test  «he  had  formctiy  woven  for  him  when  he  was  an  infant. 
Aristophanes  has,  in  his  Clouds,  expressly  pointed  the  ridicule  of  yvu«7«7«i 

"  And  recognize  a  Brother  by  his  hair,"  White. 

at  this  Ttagedy  of  iEschylus,  having  just  before  mentioned  the  name  of 
Electra. 


ELECTRA,  !26» 

Of  the  same  blood,  who  from  one  Father  springi 
Are  apt  in  all  their  features  to  preserve 
A  strict  resemblance. 

ELECTRA. 

You  unwisely  speak^ 
Old  Man,  if  you  imagine,   that  by  stealth 
My  valiant  Brotlier  to  this  laud  would  coii>e. 
Because  he  feai-'d  the  anger  of  -^gisthusi 
Then  how  should  our  hair  tally  ?  for  his  lock* 
Are  those  of  an  heroic  youth  trained  «p 
To  every  martial  exercise  ;  but  mine 
Are  weaken'd  by  the  comb.     This  cannot  he^ 
Full  many  a  ringlet  of  the  self-same  hue 
Will  you  discover  to  belong  to  those  ' 

Who  from  a  different  origin  proceed. 

OLD  MAN. 

Walk  in  the  traces  of  his  steps,  observe 
Th'  impression  which  his  sandal  leaves  behind^ 
And,  O  my  Daughter,  if  his  feet  and  yours 
In  measure  are  the  same. 

ELECTRA. 

Of  those  who  tread 
Upon  the  surface  of  the  stony  ground 
What  vestiges  remain?  or,  if  they  did. 
The  feet  of  those  who  spring  from  the  same  womb, 
A  man'^s  and  woman's  never  can  be  equal. 
The  man's  are  larger. 

OLD  MAN. 

Should  thy  Brother  come. 
Canst  thou  not  recollect  the  purple  woof 
Thy  shuttle  form*d,  in  which  I  erst  from  death 
With  secrecy  convey'd  him  ? 

ELECTRA. 

Know  you  not. 
How  young  I  was,  when  from  this  guilty  land 
Orestes  fled?  and  if  the  vest  I  wove 
Suited  his  childhood,  how  should  he  still  wear  it^ 


270  ELECTRA. 

Unless  In  just  proportion  with  the  body 

Our  garments  grew?  By  generous  pity  mov*d. 

Either  some  stranger,  o'er  the  grave  hath  shorn 

His  tresses,  or  a  native  of  this  realm^ 

The  Tyrant  and  his  watchful  guards  eluding. 

OLD  MAN. 

But  where  are  these  thy  guests  ?  for  them  I  fain 
Would  see,  and  ask  them  how  thy  Brother  fares. 

^         ELECTRA. 

With  hasty  step  the  threshold  they  bestride- 

OLD  MAK. 

Noble  they  seem;  yet  is  this  semblance  doubtful. 
For  many  who  from  noble  fathers  spring 
Are  wicked.     But  I  bid  the  strangers  haii. 

ORESTES,  PYLADES,  ELECTRA,  OLD  MAN, 

CHORUS. 

ORESTES. 

Hail,  O  thou  aged  man  !  — what  friend  is  this, 
Electra,  by  a  length  of  years  decay'd? 

ELECTRA. 

My  Father  in  his  infancy  he  nuitur'd^ 
O  stranger. 

ORESTES. 

Ha  !  what  say  you  ?  is  this  he 

Who  from  his  foes  by(  10)steallh  conveyed  your  Brother  f 

ELECTRA. 

Who  sav'd  his  life  if  haply  yet  he  breathe. 

ORESTES. 

Why  doth  he  gaze  at  me,  as  if  he  view'd 
Some  image  of  bright  silver,  or  to  whom 
Doth  he  my  features  liken  ? 

(10)  The  word  Aftia  havings  occurred  in  the  line  immediatel5' pre- 
ceding, Pienony  in  his  Verisimitia,  p.  $41,  has  proposed  to  sBbstitntft 
^DO^t  in  this  place  for  tid9f%it,  Br.  Musgitive  also  concurs  with  liim  in 
thinking  that  the  i^lteration  he  has  suggested  accords  not  4>nly  with 
£l€etra's  amwer,  bu^  with  several  preceding  passages  in  this  Tragedy* 


ELECTRA.  271 

ELECTRA. 

He  perhaps 
Rejoices  in  beholding  you,  whose  age 
Appears  to  be  the  same  with  that  Orestes  — 

ORESTES. 

To  him  most  dear.  —  But  why  doth  he  walk  round  me? 

ELECTRA. 

I  too,  O  Stranger,  with  amazement  note 
This  circumstance. 

OLD  MAN. 

Thy  vows,  O  royal  Maid, 
)|low  offer  up  to  the  immortal  Gods. 

ELECTRA. 

For  what  expected,  or  what  present  blessing  ? 

OLt)  MAN. 
That  thou  the  treasure  may'st  obtain,  which  Heaven 
Places  before  thine  eyes. 

ELECTRA. 
Lo,  I  invoke 
The  Deities!  but  what  is  it  you  mean, 
O  aged  Man  ? 

OLD  MAN. 

My  Daughter,  with  attention 
Look  on  this  dearest  object. 

ELECTRA. 

Much  I  fear 
You  are  not  in  your  senses* 

OLD  MAN. 

Can  my  senses 
Deceive  me,  when  thy  Brother  I  behold  ? 

ELECTRA. 

What  unexpected  words.  Old  Man,  are  tliese 
Which  you  have  utter*d  ! 

OLD  MAN. 

That  I  see  Orestes, 
The  son  of  Agamemnon. 


272  ELECTRA. 

ELEGTRA. 

To  convince  me 
'Tis  he,  what  mark  do  you  perceive  i 

OLD  MAN. 

A  scar 
Close  to  his  eys-lids,  whence  the  blood  gush'd  fortb^ 
When,  ere  he  left  the  palace  of  his  Sire, 
Following  with  thee  the  dappled  hind,  he  fell. 

ELECTRA. 

Ha,  what  is  this  you  say  ?  1  see  the  marks 
Which  on  his  visage  from  that  wound  remain. 

OLD  MAN. 

Yet,  after  this,  delay'st  thou  to  embrace 
Thy  dearest  Brother  ? 

ELECTRA. 

But  no  longer  now 
Will  I  delay,  Old  Man,  for  by  the  scar 
You  have  desciib'd,  my  soul's  convinc'd.  —  O  thou^ 
After  a  tedious  absence,  who  appeai'st. 
In  these  fond  arms,  an  unexpected  guest. 
Thee  I  infold. 

ORESTES. 

By  me  too  you  at  length 
Are  to  this  bosom  press'd. 

ELECTRA. 

I  never  form'd 
Such  an  idea. 

ORESTES. 

Nor  could  I. have  hop'd. 

ELECTRA. 

Art  thou  indeed  the  same  ? 

ORESTES. 

Your  only  champioD, 
If,  with  the  net  I  fling,  I  can  draw  forth 
The  capture  I  attempt. 

ELECTRA. 

I  trust  thou  wilt, 


272  ELECTRA. 

ELEGTRA. 

To  convince  me 
'Tis  he,  what  mark  do  you  perceive  i 

OLD  MAN. 

'     A  scar 
Close  to  his  eys-lids,  whence  the  blood  gush'd  fortb^ 
When,  ere  he  left  the  palace  of  his  Sire, 
Following  with  thee  the  dappled  hind,  he  fell. 

ELECTRA. 

Ha,  what  is  this  you  say  ?  1  see  the  marks 
Which  on  his  visage  from  that  wound  remain. 

OLD  MAN. 

Yet,  after  this,  delay'st  thou  to  embrace 
Thy  dearest  Brother  ? 

ELECTRA. 

But  no  longer  now 
Will  I  delay,  Old  Man,  for  by  the  scar 
You  have  desciib'd,  my  soul's  convinc'd.  —  O  thou^ 
After  a  tedious  absence,  who  appeajt'st. 
In  these  fond  arms,  an  unexpected  guest. 
Thee  I  infold. 

ORESTES. 

By  me  too  you  at  length 
Are  to  this  bosom  pressed. 

ELECTRA. 

I  never  formed 
Such  an  idea, 

ORESTES. 

Nor  could  I  have  hop'd. 

ELECTRA, 

Art  thou  indeed  the  same  ? 

ORESTES^ 

Your  only  champion. 
If,  with  the  net  I  fling,  I  can  draw  forth 
The  capture  I  attempt. 

ELECTRA. 

I  trust  thou  wilt. 


ELECTRA.  e73 

Else  shall  we  cease  to  think  that  any  Gods 
Exist,  if  Villainy  prevail  o'er  Jastice. 

CHORUS. 

At  length  thou  com'st^  at  lengthy  O  radiant  day, 
Thou  to  this  city  dost  thy  beams  display. 

And  bring  the  light  of  Argos  home^ 

Who  fled  from  his  paternal  dome 
A  miserable  exile.     O  my  friend, 

See  a  victorious  God  descend ; 
Lift  up  thy  hands,  thy  thoughts  aloud  express. 

And  to  the  Heavens  thy  prayer  address. 
That  Fortune  on  thy  Brother's  steps  may  wait 

As  he  entets  Argos'  gate. 

ORESTES. 
Tis  well :  these  fond  embraces  T  enjoy. 
And  them  we  at  a  more  convenient  season 
Shall  mutually  repeat.    But  say.  Old  Man, 
For  at  th'  important  crisis  art  thou  come. 
How  I  my  Father's  Murderer  may  requite. 
And  my  abandon'd  Mother,  who  partakes 
Forbidden  nuptials.     Have  I  any  friends 
At  Argos  left,  still  faithful  to  their  Lordf 
Or,  like  the  antient  fortunes  of  my  house. 
Am  I  entirely  overtwown  ?  with  whom 
Shall  I  confederate  r  in  the  pitchy  gloom 
Of  night,  in  day's  broad  face,  or  by  what  path 
Advance  against  my  foes? 

OLD  MAN. 

You,  O  my  Son, 
Are  too  unhappy  to  have  any  friend* 
For  we,  alas !  can  seldom  meet  with  those 
Who  equally  are  ready  to  partake 
As  of  our  good,  so  of  our  adverse,  fortunes. 
But  be  assur'd  (for  yoii  are  now  deprived 
Of  every A-iend,  nor  have  one  hope  remaining) 
AU'yotlr  dependence  is  on  that  right  arm, 

VOL.  III.  T 


t74  ELECTRA. 

And  on  auspicious  Fortune,  to  redeem 
Your  Father's  house  and  city* 

ORESTES. 

By  what  meaai 
Can  we  accomplish  this  great  scheme  i 

OLD  MAN. 

By  slaying; 
Thyestes'  Son,  and  your  unnatural  Mother. 

ORESTES. 

In  quest  of  such  bright  wreath  I  hither  come*. 
But  how  shall  I  attain  it  I 

OLD  MAN. 

Should  you  wi^ 
Within  these  walls  admission  to  procure. 
You  could  not  enter. 

ORESTES* 

Doth  a  tsoop  of  guards 
Obstruct  each  avenue  with  pointed  spears  I 

OLD  MAN.. 
You  comprehend  my  meaning :  for  he  dreadsi* 
Your  just  revenge,  and  cannot  sleep  secure. 

ORESTES; 

Well,  be  it  so :.  but  give  me  thy  advice. 
Old  Man. 

OLD  MAN. 

Attend  to  me;  for  at  this  moment 
A  thought  occurs, 

ORESTES* 
May'st  thou  point  out  $ome  schen|e 
That's  beneficial,  and  may  I  perceive 
How  wisely  thou  hast  judg'd. 

OLD  MAN» 

I  saw  ^gisthus 
As  I  came  hither. 

ORESTES. 

What  thou  say'st^  I  credit 

But  where? 


ELECTRAi 


«7I 


OLD  MANi 

Upon  the  borderi^  of  the  field 
In  which  yon  steeds  depasture. 

OH£ST£S» 

How  employed? 
For  I  beliold  ^  gleam  of  hope  burst  forth 
From  these  inextricable  woes. 

OLD  MAN; 

To  me 
tie  secm'd  prepAriog  for  the  Nymphi  a  feaatfc 

ORESTE8. 

Thro*  gratitude,  because  his  Sons  thfey  bnrtur'd; 
Or  for  increase  of  Offspring  doth  he  pray  i 

OLD  MAN. 

I  know  this  only,  he  unsheath'd  his  knife 
To  slay  the  OK^n* 

dRESTES^ 

By  how  large  a  troop 
(fittended^  or  his  menial  train  alone? 

OLD  MAN. 

No  citizens  of  Argos  were  at  hand» 
But  merely  his  domestics^ 

ORESTES.^ 

Is  there  one 
Of  them,  Old  Man,  who  if  he  saw,  would  know  mef 

OLD   MAN; 

Servants  they  are  whose  facei  till  this  nIOment 
(n)I  neW  beheld. 


/ 


(11)  PiersDh  in  hk  Veiisimilia,  and  Dn  MntgraTe  in  his  ^tion  of  tiift 
lexty  luTe  altered  vc  <y*  vx  or  v{  ryot  'vk,  the  reading  of  Victorias  and 
BameSy  into  w  &t  yvk,  though  siich  innovation  dO^  not  appear  to  faava 
the  least  authority  whatever  from  any  manuscript,  or  to  be  requued  by 
the  context :  for  the  next  liiie  spoken  bj  Oreatfes  is  -by  no  mMns  (as 
Mr*  Heath  intimates)  a  question,  but  rather  a  trite  observation,  itm 
meaning  of  which  ts^  that  Skvesarewont  to  take  the  strongest  side ; 
*'  if  we  prevail  they  will,  be  our  friends."  In  the  beginning  of  the  OU 
Man's  next  speech,  the  nsanoscripts  are  said  to  vary ;  one  to  hare 
«^>«9,  and  pother  kk^,  and  the  third  w«t  havt  reason  to  hiftr 


^6  ELECTRA. 

ORBSTES, 

They  will  befriend  our  cause 
If  we  prevail. 

OLD  MAN. 

Now  solely  will  I  speak 
Of  what  to  you  may  prove  most  advantageous. 

ORESTES. 

But  upon  what  pretence  shall  I  approach  him  ? 

OLD  MAN. 

By  going  to  some  place,  where,  as  he  sl^ys 
The  victims,  he  may  spy  you. 

ORESTES. 

He,  it  seems. 
Is  in  those  fields  close  to  the  public  road. 

OLD  MAN. 
Whence  to  partake  the  feast  will  he  invite, 
When  he  observes  you. 

ORESTES. 

An  unwelcome  guest,  • 

If  Heaven  permit, 

OLD    MAN. 

Observe  then  how  to  act 
As  the  event  directs. 

ORESTES. 

Well  hast  thou  spoken. 
But  where's  my  Mother? 

OLD  MAN. 

She  is  now  at  Argos  : 
But  thence  will  come  to  share  the  festive  banquet. 

ORESTES. 

Why  did  she  not  accompany  her  Lord  i 

with  "Victorius  and  Barnes  in  reading  )a&tf,  which  is  extremely  wdl 
snited  to  ftc  dialogue.  Dr.  Mnsgraye  has  i^cted  all  three,  and  sub- 
stituted ht>w.  Whatever  apptaiuse  conjectures  like  these  may  descrye 
ibr  their  mgenuity,  it  is  a  Translator's  du^  to  be  peculiariy  cautious 
how  he  adds  to  his  own  erron  thoM  whidi  arise  from  tbllowing  a  cer* 
n^ted  text. 


ELECTRA. 


277 


OLD  MAN. 

Fearing  the  public  scorn,  sbf  staid  behind 

ORESTES. 

I  understand -«•:  she  knows  th^t  tb^  whole  city 
'  Suspect  her* 

OLD  MAN. 

Tis  e*eo  so:  just  hate  attends 
That  impious  woman. 

ORESTES, 

How  shall  I  slay  her 
And  him  at  the  same  time  \ 

£L£CTRA« 

My  Mother's  de^th 
I  will  contrive. 

ORESTES. 

Sure  Fortune  will  direct 
These  great  events  aright. 

ELECTRA. 

May  she  afford 
To  both  of  us  her  aid. 

OLD   MAN. 

No  doabt  shci^wiih 
But  how  wilt  thou  devise  to  slay  thy  Mother  ? 

ELECTRA, 

To  Clytemnestra  go.  Old  Man^  and  fell  h^r 
That  I  have  borne  a  Son. 

QLP  MAN. 

Long  since,  or  lately,? 

ELECTIIA. 

Name  this  as  the  appointed  day  on  which 
Custom  ordains  I  must  be  purified* 

OLD  -^AN, 

But  how  can  my  delivery  of  such  message 
Tend  to  thy  Mother's  slaughter  ? 

XLECSRA. 

She  will  come 
Soon  as  she  hegrs  that  I  )h^%  felt  the  throes 


J 


1 

I 


f78  ELECTRA, 

Of  pregnancy  -? 

OLD  MAN. 
Why  ihink'^st  tl^ou  she  regard* 

Thy  welfare,  O  my  Daughter  ? 

ELECTRA. 

Yes,  and  weep 
To  learn  I  am  become  a  happy  Mother. 

OLD  MAN. 

Perhaps  she  may.     Bi^t  I  \vould  pot  an  ^ncj 
To  this  thy  Ipng  harangue, 

ELECTRA. 
* Tis  evident 
That  if  she  once  come  hither  she  must  bleed, 

OLD  MAN. 

Her  very  palace  doors^  fit  ^h^  behest^ 
Am  I  prepar*4  tP  ^nter. 

ELECTRA. 
A  s^iall  distance 
Js  it  from  hence  to  Pluto's  loath'd  abode. 

OLD  MAN. 

■  *  * 

With  pleasure  would  I  die,  could  I  beholcj 
Th^  great  f  mprise  successful. 

ELECTRA. 

But  conduct 
My  Brother  first.  Old  Man. 

OLD  MAN. 

Where  now  ^gisthu^ 

Is  offering  up  a  victim  to  the  Godsf 

ELECTRA* 

Then  this  my  message  to  my  Mother  be^r^ 

OI4D  MAN. 

That  she  m^j  t^ink  (  only  from  your  moutli^ 
Jtepeat  the  words. 

ELECTRA  to  Okbstbs. 

The  business  now  is  thine : 
Tb^e  Fate  ordains  the  slaughter  to  begin. 


ELECTRA.  279 

ORESTE8. 
I  w'ould  go  thither  had  I  any  guide. 

OLD   MAN. 
I  undertake  that  office,  nothing  loth. 

.    ORESTES. 

0(12)  Jow,  our  great  progenitor^  wfco  wreak'st 
Vengeance  on  those  we  hate,  to  us  extend* 
Thy  mercy  :  for  our  sufferings  have  been  grievous. 

ELECTRA. 

On  thy  descendants  look  with  pity  down. 

ORESTES. 

And,  0  majestic  Junu,  who  presid^-st 
Over  Mycene's  altars,  grant  that  we 
May  conquer,  if  we  pray  for  what  is  just.  . 

ELECTRA. 
.  O  grant  them  to  avenge  my  Father's  death. 

ORESTES. 

Thou  too,  my  Father,  whom  unholy  bands 
Sent  to  the  shades  of  Orcus,  and,  O  Earth, 
Dread  Queen,  to  whom  I  stretch  forth  suppliant  hands^ 

(12)  <<  Oi^tes  and  Electra,  after  invoking  Jupiter,  tiveir  great  Pa- 
**  temal  ancestor,  and  the  giver  of  Victory,  proceed  to  address  Juno  as 
*^  the  tutelary  Goddess  of  tlieir  country,  and  presiding  over  the  mar- 
*^  riage  vow  which  Cly  tenmestra  had  violated.  Eartli  also  is  invoked 
^*^  oil  account  of  Agamemnon  being  buried  in  it,  and  its  containing  the 
^^  Dsemons  and  Furies  who  punished  the  wicked,  and  lastly  Agamem- 
'^  non,  whose  injured  manes  they  are  preparing  to  avenge."      Barvbs, 

The  passage  of  Paosanias  refeired  to  by  Barnes,  (Corinthiaca,  c.  24, 
p.  165,  ed.  Kuhnii)  mentions  the  worship  of  Jupiter  Jittrgt^  at  Athens, 
and  speaks  of  him  as  the  same  with  the  Jupiter  to  whose  altar  Priam 
fled  when  Troy  was  taken,  who,  as  the  commentator  observes,  was  also 
called  EgxfM; :  but  I  am  here  induced  to  translate  Uwr^  <'  paternal  An- 
*<  cestor,"  both  by  Electm's  reply,  and  the  following  passage  in  Ensta- 
thius,  Svnvi^o^  mcn^n  vof  sovns  cowr^  cTftyoyw  Mrir  ivd«  079^  <n^  A^Xo^^e; 
s^y  90  vceTgoMt  ipM*  tmtBmt  MiKt^iniaJ*  V,  1,  p.  316,  Romse  1550.  Me- 
lampus,  as  he  proceeds  to  observe,  was  Father  of  Antiphates,  Grand* 
Either  of' Oieleus,  and  Great  Gnuidiatber  of  Amphiareus  the  Father  of 
Amphilochus :  the  descent  of  Orestes  and  Slectra  from  Jupiter,  the 
Father  of  Tantalus,  was  but  one  degree  more  rrmote.. 


ago  ELEOTRA. 

Maintain,  maintain  his  dearest  Children's  cause. 
Now  come  with  thy  confederates,  aU  the  slain 
Who  erst  thy  banners  foHow'd,  when  thy  spear 
Smote  Ilion's  ramparts,  and  with  those  who  hate 
The  vile  assassin.    Thou  hast  heard  my  voice, 
(13)  O  thou  who  from  my  Mother  didst  endure 
Most  horrid  wrongs. 

ELECTRA. 

My  Sire  knows  all,  he  hears 
The  words  we  utter :  but  tb'  important  crisis 
Summons  you  hence,  and  this  to  thee  again 
I  say,  ^gistbus  by  that  hand  must  bleed. 
For,  if  defeated,  thon,  a  breathless  corse. 
Be  stretcht  upon  the  ground,  consider  me 
'  As  one  who  am  in  fact  aheady  slain. 
And  cease  to  number  me  among  the  living  ; 
For  with  a  two-edg'd  sword,  on  my  own  head 
Will  I  inflict  the  ghastly  wound.     The  doors 
This  moment  am  I  entering,  to  prepare 
The  fatal  weapon.     If  auspicious  tidings 
Of  thee  arrive,  with  a  triumphant  shout 
These  walls  shall  ring;  but  if  thou  bleed,  all  this 
Must  be  reversed.     Thus  far  to  thee  I  speak. 

ORESTES. 

I  understand  the  whole. 

ELECTRA. 

Nought  now  remains 
But  to  perfoina  thy  part  with  manly  firmness. 

[Exft/n/  ORESTES,   PYLA1>ES,    and  OLD    M 

Ye  too,  O  Women,  joining  to  your  shouts 

(13)  The  alteration  of  w;  into  to,  and  the  beceKity  of  eithci 
into  a  pareqUiesis ,  or  transposing  the  two  last  lines  of  tins  speed 
been  urged  by  Reiskius,  Mr.  Tyrwhitt,  and  Dr,  Mnsgtave,  it  aj 
incumbent  on  me  to  avail  myself  of  their  asastance,  as  it  enabu 
give  a  much  greater  clearness  of  construction  to  a  passage,  whir 
itfirst  occurred  to  me  in  Barnes's  edition,  appeared  exceedin 
c^e  and  confused. 


ELECTRA.  «8 1 

Full  many  a  kindled  torch,  proclaim  bow  ends 
This  conflict.     While  I  watch  to  see  what  passes. 
Uplifting  the  drawn  falchion  in  my  hand  ; 
For,  if  defeated,  I  will  ne'er  submit 
To  the  injurious  treatment  of  our  foes, 

lExit  ELECTKA. 

CHORUS. 

ODE, 
I.    1. 

To  us  transmitted  by  maternal  care, 

Among  traditions  vouch'd  by  Fame, 

From  Argive  hills  ibis  rumour  came, 
That  Pan,  the  shepherd's  God,  some  rural  air 

Erst  suiting  to  his  dulcet  reed, 
A  Ram  conducted  o*er  the  grassy  mead, 
Adorn'd  with  an^exuberant  fleece  of  gold: 

Then  from  the  rock,  his  lofty  stand. 

The  herald  utter'd  this  command. 
Let  all  Mycene's  race  assembled  go 

"An  aweful  spectre  to  behold, 
By  which  iheir  happ)'  Monarch  they  shall  know.** 
Then  round  the  gates  of  (14)  Pelops'  Sons  a  band 

Of  mighty  nobles  took  their  stand, 

1    ^ 

On  holy  altars  tipp'd  with  burnish'd  gold 
Full  many  a  pious  votary  gaz'd. 
And  thro'  the  peopled  streets  thick  blaz'd 

Rich  frankincense ;  from  every  temple  roU'd 
A  cloud  of  fragrance  to  the  skies; 

Heightening  the  power  of  vocal  melodies.; 

The  soit  flutes  warbled  their  bewitching  lore  : 
Thyestes*  praise  did  they  resound. 
Because  among  his  fiooks  was  f<i)iand 

(14)  The  word  in  the  original  is  Arpn^av,  wliich  has  tlie  appearance  of 
an  evident  oversijrht,  either  in  the  Poet  himself,  or  his  Editors  who  arc 
silent  on  the  subject,  ^ 


€f 


4( 


Sg2  ELECTRA, 

The  golden  Raro:  for  Atreus'  (15)  lovely  Dame 

Seducing,  the  portent  he  bore 
To  his  own  house,  then  midst  the  people  came^ 
And  boasted  that  his  stalls  the  Ram  did  hold, 

Distinguish'd  by  a  fleece  of  gold. 

11.   I. 
Jove  chang'd  in.  that  accursed  hour 

The  path  of  every  star. 
And  from  their  wonted  stations  far 
Drove  to  the  west  by  his  resistless  power 
The  flaming  Sa«,  and  Morn  whose  forehead  white 
Diffuses  a  celestial  light : 
Thick  gather'd  in  the  north  clouds  fraught  with  rain^ 
While  Ammon's  shrine  on  Libya's  parching  sand 
Stood  open  to  receive  the  dews  in  vain, 
JIo  genial  shower  from  Heaven  refreshed  the  thirsty  land* 

II.  2. 
So  Fame  relates:  but  tales  like  these 

With  me  small  credence  find. 
That  the  world's  all-pervading  Mind 
Caus'd  th*  orient  Sun,  beneath  Hesperian  seas 
To  quench  his  orb,  avenging  human  guilt, 

And  blood  by  hands  unholy  spih. 
Fresh  strength  is  added  to  religion's  base 
By  fables  which  man's  breast  with  terror  fill : 
But  thou,  O  Mother  of  this  noble  race, 
Regardless  of  the  Gods,  hast  dar'd  thy  Lord  to  kill. 

He^rd  ye  a  voice,  my  friends,  as  if  the  God 
Of  Hell  loud  thunder'd  in  the  realms  beneath  ; 
Or  was  it  all  the  fiction  of  my  brain  ? 
Hark  !   hark  again !  these  sounds  distinctly  rise ! 
Electra  !  ho !  come  forth  my  royal  mistress. 

(13)  JExope,    See  the  history  of  the  Hoose  of  Tantalus,  subjoined  tt 
the  Tragedy  of  Orestes,  in  the  first  volume. 


ELECTRA.  98S 

ELECTRA,  CHORUS, 

ELECTRA. 

Friends^  what  event  hath  happen'd^  in  what  peril 
Are  we  involv'd? 

CH[OltUS. 
All  that  I  know  is  this. 
The  shrieks  of  death  I  hear. 

ELECTRA. 

I  heard  them  too ; 
Tho'.dbtanty  surely  they  are  not  ideal. 

CHORUS. 
Loud  s^nd  articulate  the  sound  flies  far, 

ELECTRA. 

From  any  Argive,  or  a  friend  of  mine, 
Pid  that  groaq  come  f 

CHORUS. 

1  know  not :  for  their  Toice» 
Are  intermingled* 

ELECTRA. 

By  those  words  you  bid  me 
Dispatch  myself:  and  wherefore  should  I  loiter  i 

CHORUS. 

O  stay  till  thou  bast  learn'd  the  real  state 
Of  thy  affairs, 

ELECTRA. 
I  must  not ;  we  are  vanquished. 
Ah,  where  th*  expected  Messengers? 

CHORUS^ 

At  length 
Will  they  arrive  ;  it  is  po  easy  task 
To  slay  a  King. 

MESSENGER,  ELECTRA,  CHORUS. 

MESSENGER. 

Ye  Virgins  of  Mycene, 
Ordain'd  to  share  the  triumph,  I  proclaim 
To  all  his  friends,  Orestes  bath  preyail'd ; 


f84  ELECl'RA* 

And  Agamemnon's  marclerer^  curst  j£gisthus^ 
Lies  stretcht  upon  the  ground  a  breathless  corse: 
Ye  therefore  to  th'  immortal  Gods  are  bound 
To  offer  np  your  thanks* 

ELECTRA. 
But  who  art  thou  ? 
Whence  canst  thou  vouch  these  tidings  are  authentic  ? 

MESSENGER. 

Know  you  not  then  that  I  whom  you  behold 
Am  your  own  Brother's  servant  ? 

ELECTRA. 

O  my  friend. 
Thy  face  I  scarce  remember'd  thro*  my  fears ; 
But  now  I  know  thee.     What  was  it  thou  said'st  ? 
Is  the  detested  murderer  of  my  Sire 
Really  dead  ? 

MESSENGER. 

Dead.    I  repeat  the  tidinga^ 
Which  'tis  your  wish  to  hear. 

CHORUS. 

Ye  righteous  Gods ; 
And,  O  dread  Justice,  whose, broad  eye  surveys 
Each  secret  crime^  thou  cam'st^  at  length  thou  earnest. 

ELECTRA. 

But  by  what  stratagems  my  Brother  slew 
Thyestes'  Son,  I  wish  to  be  inform'd. 

MESSENGER. 

When  we  this  house  had  left,  we  reach'd  a  spot 
Where  two  dividing  roads  branch  off,  and  found  • 
Mycene's  haughty  Sovereign  there,  who  walk'd 
In  gardens  water'd  by  translucent  springs. 
And  cropp'd  the  myrtle's  tender  sprays,  to  form 
A  garland  for  his  brow.    Soon  as  he  saw  us. 

Hail,  O  ye  Strangers,"  he  exclaim'd,  ^*  who  are  ye  ? 

Whence  came  ye  I  in  what  country  were  ye  born  ?" 
The  answer  which  Oreetes  made,  was  this; 
"  We  arc  ThessaliauB,   and  to  Alpheus' hawks 


€< 


ELECTRA.  €85 


'^  A  journey  take,  oui*  victims  to  present 

*'  T'  Olympic  Jove."     Which  when  ^gisthus  heard. 

He  said,  ^*  Ye  now  shall  he  my  guests,  and  share 

"  With  me  the  genial  feast :  for  to  the  Nymphs 

'*  This  ox  I  sacrifice.     At  early  dawn, 

"  If  ye  forsake  your  couch,  ye  will  accomplish 

"  Your  expedition :  but  now  let  us  enter 

'*  These  doors."  While  yet  he  spoke,  he  seized  our  hands, 

And  led  us  in  ;  it  was  impossible 

To  have  refus'd  :  scarce  had  we  pass'd  the  threshold 

When  to  his  servants  these  commands  he  gave; 

**  Bring  lavers  to  our  guests  without  delay, 

'*  That  round  the  altar,  near  the  lustr^l  vase, 

'*  They  may  be  statiou'd.**    But  Orestes  answer'd; 

"  We  in  the  waters  of  the  limpid  stream 

"  Have  recently  been  purified,  O  King, 

''  And  if  the  stranger,  with  the  citizen, 

"  In  his  Oblation  beallow'd  to  join, 

'*  We  come  prepar'd,  nor  scruple  to  partake 

'*  The  holy  rites/'    With  this  the  cotiference  ceas'd. 

Soon  as  the  servants  had  laid  down  the  spears 

They  bore  to  guard  their  Lord,  they  all  employed 

In  various  tasks  their  active  hands;  some  brought 

The  vase  to  catch  the  victim's  streaming  blood  ; 

Some  held   the  canisters  ;  but  others  kindled 

The  sacred  flanre,  and  round  the  altar  placed 

Huge  cauldrons ;  then  re-echoed  the  whole  dome. 

Meanwhile  the  Husband  of  your  Mother  threw 

Upon  the  altar  salted  cates,  and  utter'd  ^ 

These  words;  *'  O  Nymphs,  who  haunt  yon  rocks,  to  you 

^  Oft  may  I  sacrifice  the  bleeding  steer, 

"  And  with  my  Consort,  Tyndarns*  royal  Daughter, 

"  Continue  to  be  prosperous ;  but  may  ruin 

"  Overtake  our  foes  :**  Orestes  and  yourself 

By  name  expressing.    While  a  different  prayer 

My  Lord  in  gentlest  accents  ofFer'd  up, 

Beseeching  the  immortal  Gods  to  grant  him 


i8€  tLECTRA. 

The  mansions  of  his  Sire ;  a  biting  knife 

Now  from  the  canister  iEgisthos  took. 

Cut  off,  and  cast  into  the  lustrai  flames^ 

The  victim's  hairs  ;  the  shoulders  of  the  beast. 

Which  in  their  hands  the  servants  bad  uplifted, 

Then  pierc'd,  and  in  these  words  add ressM  your  Brotber  J 

**  *Mong  those  renown'd  exploits  which  are  the  boast 

**  Of  the  Thessalians^  to  dissect  the  bull 

"  Is  number'd,  or  to  rein  the  fiery  steed  : 

*'  This  blade,  O  Stranger,  take,  and  shew  that  fame 

**  Hath  done  Thessalia  justice."    But  Orestes 

Seiz'd  with  firm  hand  the  Doric  flaying  knife^ 

And  from  his  shoulders  stripping  off  the  robe 

Adorn'd  with  golden  clasps,  when  he  bad  chosen, 

For  his  assistant,  Pylades,  dismiss'd 

The  servants,  and,  the  victim's  foot  uplifting. 

Laid  bare  the  fiesh^  which  from  the  hide  be  sevei^d^. 

His  vigorous  arm  extending,  ere  the  steed 

Could  ffom  the  distance  of  twelve  hundred  paces 

Twice  reach  the  goal ;  the  belly  next  he  open'di 

JBgisthus  took  the  entrails  in  his  hands, 

And  view'd  them  eagerly;  no  lobe  was  there  i 

But  every  fibre  leading  to  the  gall 

On  his  research  foretold  impending  mischiefs 

His  brow  was  then  contracted  :  but  my  Lord 

Ask'd  ;  *'  Why  is  your  soul  skd  V*  "  I  fear,  O  Stranger^ 

*'  Some  treachery  from  a  foreign  land ;"  he  answered  ; 

"  For  Agamemnon's  Son  is  to  my  house 

"  The  most  malignant  foe."    Orestes  cried, 

"  Are  you,  the  mighty  Sovereign  of  thi»  land^ 

**  Alarm'd  at  the  devices  of  an  exile? 

**  Who  will  exchange  for  a  Thessalian  axe 

'^  This  Doric  knife,  that  we  the  genial  feast 

"  Securely  nray  attend,  when  we  have  made 

"  A  farther  search  ?  the  beast  will  I  cleave  open.'* 

Seizing  the  axe,  he  gave  the  deadly  wound : 

^gisthus  had  drawn  forth,  and  was  surveying^. 


ELECJRA.  287 

Til'  intestines :  but  as  he  stoop'd  down  bis  head. 

Standing  a  tiptoe,  on  the  spinal  joint 

Your  Brother  smote  and  clove  his  back  asunder; 

In  strong  convulsions  his  whole  body  writhed ; 

And  'midst  the  agonies  of  death  he  howi'd* 

Soon  as  the  servants  saw  their  master  slain. 

They  rush'd  to  arms,  and  wag'd  unequal  war, 

A  multitude  against  two  combatants. 

But  with  their  brandished  falchions,  undismayed 

Pylades  and  Orestes  all  their  rage 

Withstood.    *'  I  come,  but  with  no  hostile  purpose, 

"  Or  to  this  city  or  my  subjects ;"  cried 

Orestes ;  *'  on  the  murderer  of  my  Sire, 

*^  Have  I  his  miserable  Son  inflicted 

''  Just  vengeance*    Therefore,  O  ye  antient  servant* 

"  Of  Agamemnon,  slay  me  not/'     When  tbi» 

They  heard,  they  their  protended  spears  withheld^ 

And  by  a  hoary  veteran  in  the  house 

Yoxft  Brother  was  acknowledg*d  :  on  his  head 

Fresh  garlands,  now  exulting,  do  they  bind. 

And  utter  shouts  of  triumph.    Here  he  comes^ 

Bringing  the  head  to  shew  you,  not  the  Gorgbn'ii^ 

But  severed  from  ^gisthus,  whom  you  hate: 

Seiz'd  by  the  chilling  hand  of  death,  he  paya 

With  blood  the  bitter  usury  of  blood.  ' 

CHORU9. 
I. 

My  friend,  now  join  the  choral  dance. 
Vault  like  the  hind  with  joyful  boi4nd. 
Till  thou  scarce  seem  to  touch  the  ground^ 
Thy  Brother's  conquest  to  enhance. 
Who  hath  a  brighter  wreath  obtained 
Thau  e'er  Olympic  champion  gain'd : 
In  notes  like  these  thy  joy  prolong. 
And  bsar  a  part  in  our  triumphal  song. 


£85  ELECTRA. 

ELECTRA. 

Ye  beams  of  Lights  thou  chariot  of  the  Suo^ 
Thou  Earth,  and  ye  unwelcome  shades  of  Darkness 
Erewhile  my  only  prospect ;  now  my  eyes 
With  freedom  can  I  open,  since  iEgislhua 
The  murderer  of  my  Father  is  no  more. 
Whatever  wreaths,  I,  O  my  friends,  possess 
And  these  abodes  contain,  will  I  bring  forth 
To  place  on  my  victorious  Brother's  head. 

CHORUS. 

II. 

Select  each  flower  of  brightest  hues, 
His  brow  the  garland  shall  array: 
But  be  it  curs  to  lead  the  way, 
A  choir  belov'd  by  every  Muse. 
Our  antient  Monarchs  o'er  this  land. 
Shall  reassume  their  just  command. 
Yon  lustful  Tyrant  bites  the  ground, 
Hence  shall  our  festive  strains  more  loudly  sound. 

ORESTES,  PYLADES,  ELECTRA,  CHORUS. 

ELECTRA. 

Orestes,  mighty  victor,  O  thou  Son 
Of  an  illustrious  Father,  who  prevail'd 
At  Ilion's  siege,  accept  this  diadem 
To  grace  the  flowing  ringlets  of  thy  hair. 
For  to  thy  native  land  again  thou  com'st. 
Not  after  whirling  to  a  distant  goal 
With  useless  speed  thy  car,   but  having  slain 
The  foe  ^gisthus,  by  whose  murderous  hand 
Our  Father  died :  and  you,  O  Pylades, 
In  arms  his  comrade,  by  a  virtuous  Sire 
Train'd  to  heroic  actions,  at  my  hand 
Receive  a  wreath  ;  you  also  in  this  conflict 
An  equal  share  of  danger  have  sustain'd. 
And  therefore  may  ye  both  be  ever  happy. 


*     t 


ELECTRA,  S89 

ORESTES. 

Firsts  O  Electra^  look  upon  tbe  Gods 
As  authors  of  our  bliss^  then  praise  me  too  * 
Who  am  the  minister  of  them  and  Fortune. 
For  I  come  hither,  having  slain  ^gisthus. 
By  deeds,  and  not  in  empty  words  alone. 
To  give  clear  proof  of  thjs,  to  you  I  bring 
His  corse,  which,  if  you  list,  you  may  expose 
To  beasts,  or  birds  the  children  of  the  sky^ 
(16)  Suspended  on  a  pole  :  for  he  is  now 
Your  slave,  who  erst  Was  sty  I'd  a  mighty  King. 

ELECTRA. 

I  blush ;  yet  long  to  utter*— 

ORESTES. 

What?  speak  out: 
No  longer  have  you  any  cause  to  fear. 

ELECTRA. 

I  dare  not  scoff  the  dead  ;  by  envious  tongues 
Lest  I  should  be  assaulted. 

ORESTES. 

There  is  no  man 
Who  hath  a  right  to  blame  you  for  such  conduct. 

ELECTRA. 

Our  city  is  morose,  and  proae  to  slander. 

(16)  Iiis,  in  Homer,  instigates  AchiAes  to  reBcne  the  remains  of  B»* 
troclus  from  the  Trojaas,  lest  Hector  should  treat  them  with  the  sana 
tndignity  as  Orestes  here  proposes  inflicting  on  the  slain  ^gisthus ; 

nHSAI  eem  ZKOAOnEXSl,  rofAoff  tmO^  flffio  iu^, 

n.  Im  18,  ▼•  175. 
<'  Nor  with  his  death  the  rage  of  Hector  ends : 
^  A  pi^y  to  dogs  he  dooms  the  corse  to  lie, 
^  And  marks  the  place  to  fix  his  head  on  high."  Pope. 

and  Achilles,  it  is  wdl  known,  avenged  himself  on  the  body  of  Hector, 
by  dragging  it  bound  to  his  chariot,  as  a  pubhc  spectacle,  from  the  walls 
ik  Troy  to  the  Gredan  fleet 

▼Oli.   III.  V 


fiQO  ELECTRA. 

ORESTES. 

Say  all  you  wish,  O  Sister,  for  the  hate 
We  bore  him  was  inexpiable. 

ELECTRA. 

Enough. 
Which  of  my  woes  shall  I  name  first,  with  which 
Conclude,  to  which  allot  the  middle  space  f 
I  never  ceas*d  each  mdruing  to  recite 
In  gentle  whispers,  what  I  had  determined 
To  utter  to  thy  face,  if  from  my  feaji-s 
I  ever  should  be  freed  :  now  freed  I  am. 
And  therefore  will  requite  thy  cruelty 
With  those  opprobrious  wotds  I  would  have  as'd 
Hadst  thou  been  living  still.    To  thee  I  owe 
My  ruin  ;  both  Orestes  and  myself 
Thou  of  our  dearest  Father  didst  bereave. 
From  Agamemnon  tho'  thou  hadst  experienced 
No  wrong  :  my  Mother  basely  didst  thou  wed. 
When  thou  hadst  basely  slain  her  former  Lord 
The  Grecian  chief:  thou  ne'er,  didst  sail  for  Tmy, 
But  didst  become  so  foolish  as  to  hope 
That  Clytemnestra  would  not  prove  thy  curse. 
When  thou  didst  form  such  union,  and  defile 
My  Father's  bed.     Let  him  who  hath  corrupted 
By  stealth  the  Consort  of  another,  know 
That  when  he  afterwards  is  forc'd  to  wed  her, 
He  must  be  wretched,  if  he  vainly  deem  " 
The  woman,  who  her  chastity  preserv'd  not 
With  her  first  Lord,  can  e'er  to  him  prove  constant. 
Tho'  senseless  of  thy  misery,   thou  didst  lead 
A  life  most  miserable  :  for  thou  wert  conscious 
That  in  unlawful  nuptials  thou  wert  yok'd  ; 
My  Mother  also  knew,  in  wedding  thee. 
That  she  a  villain  wedded  :  having  both 
Been  guilty,  she  thy  fortune  shares,  and  thou 
Hast  shar'd  her  punishment.  Thou  heard'st  this  language 
From  every  Argive  tonguej  *'  that  Woman's  Husband :" 


ELECTRA.  sgi 

l>for  caird  they  her,  '<  thy  Wife."    Yet  'tis  degrading 

Whene'er  the  Female,   not  the  Man,  bears  rule 

O'er  any  house.     Those  children,  I  abhor, 

Who  by  their  Mother's,   not  their  Father's,  Dame 

Are  publicly  distinguish'd  in  the  city. 

If  any  one,  in  wedlock,  with  a  dame 

Of  high  distinction  and  superior  rank. 

Be  join'd,  the  Husband  is  of  no  account. 

All  speak  of  the  Wife  only.     But  here  lay 

Thy  error;    thou  didst  deem  thyself  a  man  [ 

Able  to  rule,  because  thou  wert  possess'd 

Of  wealth,  which  in  itself  is  nought,  and  stays 

For  a  short  season  only  with  its  owner : 

But  Nature,  and  not  Gold,  is  ever  firm; 

Nature  abides  with  man,  and  can  remove 

Evils  the  most  severe,  while  lawless  Gold, 

That  inmate  of  the  wicked,  takes  his  flight 

From  mansions  where  he  flourish'd  but  a  moment. 

As  for  thy  sins  with  women,  I  of  them 

Forbear  to  speak,   since  from  a  virgin's  lips 

Twould  be  unseemly,  yet  with  cautious  hints 

Can  I  point  out  so  as  to  make  them  known. 

Thine  was  the  haughty  mien  of  him  who  dwells  i 

In  regal  mansions,  and  whose  form  is  cast 

In  beauty's  choicest  mold.     May  he  I  wed  ] 

By  no  smooth  female  visage  be  distinguish'd. 

But,  by  the  air  and  courage  of  a  man. 

For  they  who  from  such  hardy  Fathers  spring 

By  Mars  are  patronis'd  :  but  beauteous  Sons 

Serve  only  to  adorn  the  public  dance* 

Perish,   thou  fool:  detected  in  thy  crimes 

At  length  thou  justly  suffer^st*    Let  no  villain, 

Tho'  the  first  stage  of  his  career  he  run 

With  prosperous  Fortune,  think  he  hath  outstripp'd 

Avenging  Justice,  till  he  reach  the  goal. 

And  end  his  life. 

V  2 


«9«  ELECTRA. 

CHORUS. 

The  crimes  which  he  committed 
Were  dreadful^  dreadful  too  is  the  atonement 
Which  he  bath  made  to  thee  and  to  thy  Brother: 
For  Justice  is  with  wondrous  strength  endued. 

ORESTES. 

Tis  well.    Ye,  O  my  servants,  must  bear  in 
The  corse,  and  bide  it,  lest  my  Mother  view, 
Upon  her  first  arrival,  ere  she  bleed. 
Her  slaughter*d  paramour. 

ELECTRA. 

Restrain  thy  tongue : 
On  other  topics  let  us  now  discourse. 

ORESTES. 

Ha !   do  I  see  auxiliar  Argive  troops 
Approach  ? 

ELECTRA. 

Thou  seest  no  Argive  troops,  but  her 
From  whom  I  sprune. 

ORESTES. 

Full  seasonably  she  rushes 
Amid  the  thickest  toils. 

'   ELECTRA. 

Her  burnishM  car. 
And  tissued  robes  shine  bright. 

ORESTES. 

What  «0W  remains 
For  us  to  do,  shall  we  with  ruthless  steel 
Pierce  the  maternal  breast  f 

ELECTRA. 

Hath  pity  seiz'd  thee 
Soon  as  thy  Mother's  visage  thou  beheld'st  ? 

ORESTES. 

Ah,  how  can  I  slay  her  who  nurtor^d  me, 
And  gave  me  birth  ? 

ELECTRA. 

As  she  hath  slain  our  Sire. 


i. 


X. 


ELECTRA.  fi9$ 

OR£ST£S. 

Great  folly  in  thy  oracles^  O  Phcebas, 
Didst  thou  betray  — 

ELECTRA. 

Whert  shall  we  look  for  wisdom^ 
If  Phoebus  err? 

ORESTES. 

When  me  thou  didst  enjoin 
To  slay  my  Mother  with  an  impious  hand. 

ELECTRA. 

By  such  just  vengeance  for  thy  murder'd  Si$f, 
What  harm  canst  thou  incur  i 

ORESTES. 

I  now  am  pure, 
But  then  shall  be  polluted  with  the  blood 
Of  her  who  bore  me. 

ei:j:ctra. 

If  thy  Father's  death 
Thou  bring  to  strict  account^  canst  thou  be  impious? 

ORESTES. 
But  if  I  take  my  Mother's  life  away^ 
I  shall  be  punish'd. 

ELECTRA. 

To  whom  then,  the  vengeance 
Due  to  thy  murder'd  Sire^  wilt  thou  abandon  i 

ORESTES. 

Did  not  some  Fiend  this  oracle  pronounce 
Beneath  the  semblance  of  the  Delphic  God 

ELECTRA. 

His  seat  usurping  on  the  holy  tripod  ? 
I  think  not  thus. 

ORESTES.  ''    : 

Nor  can  I  e*er  believe 
Til  at  such  response  was  genuine*  ^ 

No? -^beware 
I«est  thou  that  noble  spirit  lose^  and  sijQrk 


«94  ELECTRA, 

Into  mere  cowardice. 

ORESTES. 

Shall  I  for  her 
Contrive  the  self-same  artifice? 

ELECTRA,       , 

By  which 
Thou  bast  already  taken  off  her  Lord, 
Already  slain  ^gisthus. 

ORESTES. 

I  go  in. 
Tho*  I  am  entering  on  a  deed  that's  fraught 
With  horror,  I  will  execute  the  deed  ; 
Thug  let  it  be,  if  thus  the  righteous  Gods 
Ordain  :  altho'  this  conflict  to  my  soul 
At  the  same  time  be  bitter,  and  yet  sweet. 

{Exeunt  orestes  and  pylades. 

CHORUS. 

0  Queen  of  Argos*  fertile  ground. 
Daughter  of  Tyndarus  the  renowned. 
And  sister  to  the  Sons  of  Jove, 

Twin  champions,  who  unconquer^d  rove 
Amid  the  radiant  fields  of  air. 
Round  whom  the  blazing  planets  glare, 
Rever*d  on  earth,  and  wont  to  save 
Their  votaries  from  the  stormy  wave ; 
All  hail !  the  homage  which  to  thee 

1  pay,  is  hitherto  the  same 

With  what  the  blest  Immortals  claim; 
The  wealth  thou  dost  possess  is  great. 
And  unallay'd  thy  prosperous  state, 
^ut,  O  Queen,  'tis  time  to  see 
What  fortunes  still  thy  life  await. 

CLYTEMNESTRA,  ELECTRA,  CHORUS. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Alight,  ye  Trojan  Damsels,  from  the  car, 
And  take  my  hand,  while  hence  I  step.    The  temple?    * 


EtECTRA.  290 

i  tie  inanes  of  our  Father :  for  if  thou 

uidst  act  with  justite,  this  were  justice  too. 

iitit  he  who  with  a  view  to  wealth  or  rank 

f  y  eds  an  abandoned  worn  ad,  is  devoid 

\ji  understanding  :  for  a  virtuous  Consort, 

«  ho'  mean  her  birth,  transcends  the  guihy  great. ' 

CHORUS. 

In  wedlock  Fortune  sways :  the  nuptials  form'd 
Ay  some  I  see  are  prosperous,  others  wretched* 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

You,  O  my  Daughter,  were  by  nature  fram'd 
i'or  your  departed  Father  to  retain  ' 
A  strong  affection.     It  is  ever  thus; 
lo  the  male  Parent  some  are  most  attach'd 
And  some  prefer  the  Mother.     I  forgive  you: 
For  when  1  think,  O  Daughter,  on  the  deed 
I  have  committed,  I  no  pleasure  feel. 
But  thus  unwash'd,  and  clad  in  squallid  weeda. 
Are  you  Just  risen  from  childbirth's  painful  couch  i 
My  deep-laid  schemes,  alas !  have  made  me  wretched : 
For  to  immoderate  anger  I  provok'd 
My  present  Lord,  and  caus'd  him  to  imbrue 
jtlis  hands  in  blood. 

ELECTRA. 

Too  late  dost  thou  bewail 
Those  ills  thou  canst  not  remedy.     My  Sire 
Is  dead.     But  why  neglect'st  thou  to  recall 
Thy  Son,  who  wanders  from  his  native  land  i 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Because  I  fear  his  wrath,  and  to  my  own 
In  preference  to  his  interests  must  attend  : 
For  he  resents,  they  say,  his  Father's  murder. 

ELECTRA. 

But  wherefore  is  thy  Lord  so  fierce  against  us? 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

jHis  temper's  such :  you  also  are  too  proud. 


296  £L£CTBA. 

He  to  the  port  of  Aulis,  from  our  home 

Convey*d  her,  where  he  piercM  the  snowy  neck 

Of  Iphigenia  on  the  (18)  altar  plac'd. 

If  to  avert  destruction  from  this  city. 

Or  that  his  house  might  prosper^  or  to  save 

His  other  children,  for  the  sake  of  many 

He  had  slain  one,  he  might  have  claim'd  forgiveness  : 

But  Helen  made  him  frantic,  and,  because 

The  Husband  of  that  trahress  knew  not  how 

To  rule  his  Consort,  hath  he  slaid  my  Daughter, 

Yet  tho*  the  wrongs  I  had  endur*d  were  great, 

I  had  not  been  so  cruel  as  to  take 

My  Husband's  life  away;   but  he  returned. 

And  with  him  brought  a  (19)  Damsel,  in  whose  breast 

Prophetic  frenzy  rag'd,  whom  to  his  bed 

He  took,  and  we  two  Wives  together  dwelt 

Beneath  one  roof.    The  vi  eakness  of  our  sex 

I  freely  own,  but  in  a  woman's  breast 

Nature  implants  such  weakness  :  when  her  Lord 

Offends  against  the  nuptial  vow  and  loathes 

His  Consort,  if  she  dare  to  imitate 

Th'  example  her  perfidious  Husband  gives. 

And  take  a  paramour,  reproach  assails 

Our  blasted  name,  while  Man,  irom  whom  these  crimesi 

Derive  their  origin,  escapes  uncensur'd. 

Had  Menelaus  secretly  been  torn 

From  Sparta's  coast,  must  I  have  slain  Orestes, 

The  Husband  of  my  Sister  to  redeem  i 

How  would  your  Father  have  endur'd  this  wrong  ? 

And  was  it  just  that  he,  for  having  slain 


(18)  Scaliger,  Barnes,  Carmelli,  Mr.  Tyrwfaitt,  fmd  Dr.  Miugni:fey 
all  concur  in  objecting  to  the  word  mjUtg^  in  the  stead  of  which  ^ey 
have  successively  suggested  the  following  readings ;  xniufy  >Mcaiy  triXz;;, 
or  vn7^,  and  tav^ ;  the  last  of  winch  I  prei^,  as  deviating  least  from  the 
text,  and  appearing  most  confoimable  to  the  language  elsewhere  usef 
by  Euripides. 

(19)  Cassandra. 


ELECTRA.  «g7 

My  Daughter,  should  not  perish  ?  was  il  just 

I  to  such  insults  should  submit  P  I  smote  ^ 

Th*  aggressor,  trod  in  the  most  obvious  path, 

And  courted  the  assistance  of  his  foes  : 

For  which  of  all  your  Father's  friends  with  me 

Would  have  conspired  in  causing  him  to  bleed? 

Speak  whatsoe'er  you  list,  and  your  objections 

With  freedom  urge,  to  prove  your  Sire  was  slain 

Unjustly. 

ELECTRA. 

Thou  hast  spoken  of  his  death 
As  just,  yet  such  a  deed,  tho*  just,  is  base. 
For  a  wise  Matron  should  in  every  point 
Yield  to  her  Lord:  but  if  thou  think  no£thus, 
Jf  to  my  arguments  thou  still  art  deaf. 
Remember,  O  my  Mother,  thy  last  worfs. 
By  which  thou  didst  allow  that  I  to  thee 
Without  constraint  may  speak. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

I  that  permission 
Retract  not,  but  again  confirm,  O  Daughter. 

ELECTRA. 

Wilt  thou  not  wreak  thy  vengeance  on  my  head 
When  thou  hast  heard  me  ? 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

No :  but  with  complacence 


Attend  to  your  opinion. 

ELECTRA. 

I  will  then 
Speak  what  I  think,  and  open  with  this  prelude; 
O  Mother,  would  to  Heaven  thou  hadst  possessed 
A  soul  more  virtuous :  for  tho'  beauty  give 
Renown  to  |:hee  and  to  thy  Sister  Helen, 
Ye  both  l^ave  by  your  wantonness  disgrac'd 
Your  BrQjther  Castor :  she,  tho'  borne  away. 
Fell  thro'  her  own  consent:  but  thou  didst  murder 
The  bravest  chief  of  Greece,  on  a  pretence 


/ 


fgs  ELECTRA. 

That  to  avenge  thy  Daughter,  thon  didst  siay 

Thy  Hasbaad.    For  the  world  is  not  appris'd 

As  I  am  of  the  truth.     Ere  'twas  decreed 

That  Iphigenia  should  be  ofTer'd  up, 

Mo  sooner  had  thy  Husband  left  his  home. 

Than  at  the  golden  mirror  thou  didst  curl 

Thy  auburn  ringlets.     Write  that  Dame  unchaste^ 

Who  in  the  absence  of  her  Lord  adorns 

Her  person ;  for  she  ought  not  to  display 

A  beauteous  face  abroad^  unles3  she  seek 

Some  paramour.    Ainong  the  Grecian  matrons^ 

I  know  of  none  but  thee,  who  were  with  joy 

Transported,  if  the  Trojans  prov'd  victorious 

Or,  if  they  met  with  adverse  fate,  whose  eyes 

A  cloud  o'erspread  ;  for  thou  from  Troy  didst  wish 

That  Agamemnon  never  might  retyrn. 

Great  motives  too.hadst  thou  to  piake  thee  chaste; 

A  Husband  not  inferior  to  JGgisthus 

Was  thine,  whom  Greece  had  chosen  for  the  leader 

Of  her  confederate  host ;  and  from  the  deeds 

Of  infamy  thy  Sister  Helen  wrought, 

Might'st  thou  immortal  glory  have  obtained. 

For  crimes  become  a  lesson  to  the  virtuous. 

An  useful  spectacle.    If,  as  thou  say*st, 

My  Father  slew  thy  Daughter;  in  what  instance 

Have  I  and  my  unhappy  Brother  wrong'd  thee  ? 

Why  didst  not  thou,  when  thou  hadst  siain  thy  Lord^ 

To  us  surrender  our  paternal  mansions. 

Instead  of  meanly  bartering  them  to  purchase 

Another  Husband?  yet  in  thy  Son's  stead 

^gisthus  is  not  exil'd,  neither  dies  he 

In  just  revenge  for  me  whom  he  hath  slain, 

Tho'  yet  I  live,  yea  slain  more  cruelly 

Than  that  poor  victim  my  lamented  Sister. 

If  slaughter  then  by  slaughter  be  repaid. 

Myself  must  with  thy  Son  Orestes  join 

To  take  thy  life  away,  and  to  requite 


EtECTRA.  «ge 

The  manes  of  our  Father :  for  if  thou 

Didst  act  with  justtee,  this  were  justice  too. 

But  he  wKo  with  a  view  to  wealth  or  rank 

Weds  an  abandoned  woman,  is  devoid 

Of  understanding :  for  a  virtuous  Consort, 

Tbo'  mean  her  birth,  transcends  the  guilty  great. ' 

CHORUS. 

In  wedlock  Fortune  sways :  the  nuptials  form-d 
By  some  I  see  are  prosperous,  others  wretched* 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

You,  O  my  Daughter,  were  by  nature  fram'd 
For  your  departed  Father  to  retain  ' 
A  strong  affection.     It  is  ever  thtks; 
To  the  male  Parent  some  are  most  attached 
And  some  prefer  the  Mother.     I  forgive  you: 
For  when  1  think,  O  Daughter,  on  the  deed 
I  have  committed,  I  no  pleasure  feel. 
But  thus  unwash'd,  and  clad  in  squallid  weedg. 
Are  you  just  risen  from  childbirth's  painful  couch  i 
My  deep-laid  schemes,  alas !  have  made  me  wretched : 
For  to  immoderate  anger  I  provok'd 
My  present  Lord,  and  caus'd  him  to  imbrue 
jHis  hands  in  blood. 

ELECTRA. 

Too  late  dost  thou  bewail 
Those  ills  thou  canst  not  remedy.     My  Sire 
Is  dead.     But  why  neglect'st  thou  to  recall 
Thy  Son,  who  wanders  from  his  native  land  i 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Because  I  fear  his  wrath,  and  to  my  own 
In  preference  to  his  interests  must  attend  : 
For  he  resents,  they  say,  his  Father's  murder. 

ELECTRA. 

But  wherefore  is  thy  Lord  so  fierce  against  us? 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

jHis  temper's  such  :  you  also  are  too  proud. 


300  ELECTRA. 

ELECTRA. 

Altho'  I  grieve,  yet  will  I  learn  to  check 
My  indignation*. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

He  too  shall  no  more 
Treat  you  with  harshness. 

ELECTRA. 

Of  himself  he  thinks 
Too  highly,  from  residing  in  our  palace. 

CLYTEMNESTRA, 

Do  you  perceive  how  you  afresh  stir  up 
The  embers  of  contention  ? 

ELECTRA. 

I  am  silent: 
For  I  dread  him,  as  far  as  there  is  cause 
To  dread  i&gisthus. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Peace,  no  more  of  this. 
But  why  do  you  invite  me,  O  my  Daughter  i 

ELECTRA.  , 

Thou  sure  hast  heard  that  I  the  throes  of  childbirtlb 
Have  newly  suflFer*d,  and  wilt  oflFer  up 
Due  sacrifice  (for  the  establish'd  rites 
I  know  not)  on  the  tenth  revolving' day 
Of  the  same  moon  in  which  the  boy  was  born,   • 
As  custom  hath  ordainM.     I  am  perplexed 
How  to  conduct  myself,  for  ne'er  till  now 
The  pregnant  matron's  anguish  did  I  feel. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

This  office  is  another's,  it  is  her's 
Who  freed  you  fiom  the  burden  of  your  womb* 

ELECTRA. 

Alone  the  pangs  of  childbirth  I  endur'd, 
Alone  brought  forth  the  infant. 

CLYTEMNESTRA. 

Stands  this  house 
Thus  distant  from  all  friends  i 


ELECTRA.  SOI 

ELECTRA. 

Tis  no  man's  wish 
To  make  the  poor  bis  friends. 

CLYTEMNE8TRA. 

But  I  will  go. 

And  offer  up  a  victim  to  the  Gods, 

Because  the  stated  number  of  the  davs 

t        ■  - 
Is  now  complete  since  you  brought  forth  a  son ; 

When  I  for  you  this  service  have  performed. 

Next  to  the  fields,  where  with  libations  due 

My  Lord  adores  the  Nymphs.     My  Servants  hence 

Convey  these  harness'd  steeds  that  draw  my  car. 

And  place  them  in  the  stalls;  soon  as  ye  think 

I  have  perform'd  the  sacrifice,  return : 

For  I  my  Husband  also  must  attend. 

[EnV  CLYTEMNESTRA, 
ELECTRA. 

Enter  these  humble  dwellings  of  the  poor; 
But,  O  be  cautious,  lest  perchance  our  walls 
With  smoke  discoloured  soil  thy  tissued  robe : 
For  on  the  righteous  Gods  shalt  thou  bestow 
Fit  expiations :  now  the  canister 
Is  ready,  and  the  biting  knife  which  slew 
The  bull,  near  whom  shalt  thou  thyself  lie  smitten. 
For  he  whose  impious  couch  thou  didst  partake 
In  the  broad  day,  in  Pluto's  house  shall  wed  thee. 
Thus  by  this  hand  requited  for  thy  crimes. 
Wilt  thou  appease  the  manes  of  my  Sire. 

{Exit  iSlectra. 

CHORUS, 

*  ODE. 

V 

I. 

Vengeance  spreads  her  banners  wide, 
Another  storm  is  on  the  wing; 
Erst  mighty  victim,  did  my  King 
Distain  the  laver  with  a  crimson  tide  : 


302  ELECTRA. 

Each  rooF^  each  turret  with  his  cries 
Uesounded ;  "  Woman,  stay  thy  hand, 
''  Why  dost  thou  murder  me?  my  native  land 
"  After  ten  years  I  xiew,  but  view  with  closing  eyes.*' 

II. 
Juslice,  DOW  again  rever'd, 
Conducts  th'  Adultress  to  het  fate. 
Who  when  her  Lord,  from  fell  debate 
Victorious,  reach'd  those  walls  the  Cyclops  rear'd^ 
Smote  him  with  a  remorseless  hand, 
Herself  the  sharpened  pole-axe  bore. 
Herself  was  sprinkled  with  her  Husband's  gore. 
Whose  evil  Genius  wove  th'  unhallow'd  nuptial  band. 

III. 
Resembling  a  fell  (£0)  lioness,  who  roves 

O'er  hills  and  thro'  the  thickest  groves. 
She  dar'd  to  perpetrate  this  impious  deed  ^^ 

CLYTEMNESTRA  (wiilun). 

My  Children,  I  implore  you  by  the  Gods, 
Slay  not  your  Mother. 

^EMICHORUS. 

Heard  ye  the  loud  shriek 
Beneath  that  roof? 

CLYTEMNESTRA  (mMt.}  "^ 

Ah  me  \ 

CHORUS. 

Her  too  I  wail 
Whom  her  own  Children  smote.    In  its  due  season 
The  Gods  deal  justice  forth  with  rigid  hand. 
Thy  sufferings  are  severe:  but  thou  bast  wrought, 
O  miserable  woman,  'gainst  thy  Lord 
Crimes  most  atrocious.    But  behold  imbrued 
In  their  sliain  Mother's  recent  gore,  they  come 

(30)  In  Lycophron,  where  Agameimioii'a  death  is  minutely  described 
without  any  names  bein^^  mentioned,  QytMnnestra  u  emphaticalfy 
called  "  *l»e  lioness." 


ELECTRA.  303 

Forth  from  the  house :  too  clearly  this  interprets 
Those  sad  expostulations  which  to  them 
She  in  the  agonies  of  death  address'd. 
There  neither  is,  nor  ever  was,  a  race 
More  wretched  than  the  seed  of  Tantalus. 

ORESTES,  PYLADES,  ELECTRA,  CHORUS. 
(The  Bodiei  of  MajSTnts  and  Clytbmnestra  are 
brought  upon  the  Stage). 
ORESTES. 
O  Earth  and  Jove,  who  at  one  glance  survey's! 
All  human  actions,  view  these  works  of  blood 
And  horror,  these  two  corses  on  the  ground 
Laid  prostrate,  smitten  by  my  vengeful  arm, 
For  a  requital  of  my  woes. 

ELECTRA.  ; 

Such  scenes 
As  this,  O  Brother,  claim  a  flood  of  tears; 
But  I  have  been  the  cause :  for,  of  all  danger 
Regardless,  her  did  I  assail  who  bore  me. 
Hard  was  thy  fate,  my  Mother,  in  producing  ' 

A  brood  so  impious ;  what  thou  hast  endur'd 
From  thy  own  Children  hath,  alas!  been  wretched. 
And  more  than  wretched :   for  my  Father's  death 
Yet  art  thou  justly  punish'd. 


Thou,  O  Phcebus, 
E'en  thon,  didst  by  thy  oracles  enjoin 
This  vengeance;  our  unutterable  woes 
Hast  thou  made  public.     From  the  Grecian  land 
Yet  thoii  the  baleful  nuptials  hasl  expell'd. 
Which  were  with  gore  cemented.     To  what  city 
Shall  I  repair,  what  hospitable  friend. 
Or  who  that's  pious,  will  endure  the  sight 
Of  ine  my  Molher's  murderer  ( 
ELECTRA. 

What  resource 


304  ELECTRA. 

Is  left  for  me?  ah^  whither  shall  I  go^ 
Where  celebrate  my  nuptials  i  to  his  be<f 
What  bridegroom  will  receive  me  ? 

ORESTESr 

Yet  again 
Is  your  opinion  alterM  with  the  wind  : 
For  now  a  sober  judgement  do  you  form, 
Tho'  erst  you  greatly  enr*d.    You,  O  my  Sister^ 
Did  perpetrate  a  horrid  deed,  by  urging 
Your  Brother,  tho'  reluctant.    Saw  you  not 
My  wretched  Mother  draw  her  tissued  robe 
Aside,  and  in  the  agonies  of  death 
Display  her  bosom  i  on  the  ground,  alas, 
Drench'd  with  her  gore,  lies  the  maternal  corse* 
Her  by  the  hair  I  seized; 

ELECTRA. 

Remorse^  I  know^ 
Enter'd  thy  soul,  soon  as  the  piteous  shrieks 
Thou  heard'st  of  her  who  bore  thee. 

ORESTES. 

She  these  words 
Did  also  utter,  wUh  uplifted  bands^ 
Touching  my  beard  ;  '^  I  sue  to  thee,  O  Son  ;" 
And  clung  around  me  with  a  strict  embrace^ 
Till  1  let  fall  the  sword. 

CHORUS* 

How,  wretched  woman^ 
Could'st  thou  endure  to  see  thy  Mother  breathef 
Her  last  I 

ORESTES. 

A  mantle  o'er  my  eyes  I  threw. 
And  the  unholy  sacrifice  began 
With  my  drawn  falchion,  on  my  Mother's  neck 
The  stroke  inflicting. 

ELECTRA. 

Bat  I  urg'd  thee  od^ 
And  bore  a  sword  with  thee.  ^ 


ELECTRA.  dOd 

ORESTES. 

You  have  committed 
An  act  most  horrible^    Yoar  Mother's  corse 
Take  up,  and  o'er  it  cast  the  decent  vest; 
With  fillets  close  her  wounds— *  from  thy  own  womb 
Thy  murderers  sprung. 

ELECniA. 

See,  O  my  friends,  and  ye 
Who  to  Electra  are  no  (21)  firiends,  I  ca&t 
A  garment  o'er  her  weltering  corse,  to  end 
The  sorrows  of  our  house. 

CHORtrS. 

Above  that  roof 
Appear  some  Demons,  or  celestial  Gods : 
For  inaccessible  to  human  steps 
Is  that  aerial  road.    But  wherefore  come  they. 
Where  by  man's  eyes  they  clearly  are  dkcem'd  f 

CASTOR  AND  POLLUX,  PYLADES,  ELECTRA, 

CHORUS. 

CASTOR. 

Thou  Son  of  Agamemnon,  hear  our  voice. 
For  we  twin  Brothers  to  the  Dame  who  bore  thee, 
Castor  and  Pollux,  call,  the  Sons  of  Jove. 
"Ho  sooner  had  our  care  appeas'd  the  storms 
Of  Ocean,  dreadful  to  the  foundering  bark. 
Than  we  to  Argos  came,  where  we  the  slaughter 
Of  this  our  Sister  and  thy  Mother  saw; 
With  justice  hath  she  suflfer'd  ;  but  the  wound 
From  thee  was  impious.     Surely  Phcebus,  Phoebus, 
(But  I,  because  be  is  my  King,  am  silent) 
Tho'  fraught  with  wisdom,  hath  to  thee  disclosed 
No  sapient  oracle.     We,  thro'  constraint. 

(21)  The  Trojan  Captives,  Cly  teiiiiiestra*s  attendants,  to  w&om  At 
addraates  henelf  at  ber  fint  entrance,  in  tbe  998th  yae  of  this  Ti^ 

as  it  standa  in  Banie^s  edition. 

VOL.  III.  ^ 


302  ELECTRA- 

Each  roof,  each  turret  with  his  cries 
Resounded ;  "  Woraau,  stay  thy  hand, 
*'  Why  dost  thou  murder  me?  my  native  land 
"  After  ten  years  I  xiew,  but  view  with  closing  eyes.*' 

II. 

Justice,  now  again  rever'd, 
Conducts  th*  Adultress  to  bei*  fate. 
Who  when  her  Lord,  from  fell  debate 
Victorious,  reach'd  those  walls  the  Cyclops  rear'd. 
Smote  him  with  a  remorseless  hand, 
Herself  the  sharpen*d  pole-axe  bore. 
Herself  was  sprinkled  with  her  Husband's  gore^ 
Whose  evil  Genius  wove  th'  unhallowed  nuptial  band, 

III. 
Resembling  a  fell  (£0)  lioness,  who  roves 

O'er  hills  arid  thro*  the  thickest  groves. 
She  dar'd  to  perpetrate  this  impious  deed  — 

CLYTEMNESTRA  (witlun). 

My  Children,  I  implore  you  by  the  Gods^ 
Slay  not  your  Mother. 

SEMICHORUS. 

Heard  ye  the  loud  shriek 
Beneath  that  roof? 

CLYTEMNESTRA  (wiOiut.}  "^ 

Ah  me  i 

CHORUS. 

Her  too  I  wail 
Whom  her  own  Children  smote.     In  its  due  season 
The  Gods  deal  justice  forth  with  rigid  hand. 
Thy  sufferings  are  severe:  but  thou  hast  wrought, 
O  miserable  woman,  'gainst  thy  Lord 
Crimes  most  atrocious.     But  behold  imbrued 
In  their  slain  Mother's  recent  gore,  they  come 

(20)  In  LycophroDy  where  Agamemnon'a  death  is  minutely  described 
without  any  names  btixtg  mentioned,  Clytemnestra  »  emphatically 
called  "  **»e  lioness." 


ELECTRA.  303 

Forth  from  the  house :  too  clearly  thiii  interprets 
Those  sad  expostulations  which  to  them 
She  in  the  agonies  of  death  addressed* 
There  neither  is,  nor  ever  was,  a  race 
More  wretched  than  the  seed  of  Tantalus. 

ORESTES,  PYLADES,  ELECTRA,  CHORUS- 

(The  Bodies  of  MgistuXjs  and  Clytemnestra  are 

brought  upon  the  St  age)  • 

ORESTES, 

O  Earth  and  Jove,  who  at  one  glance  survey's! 
All  human  actions,  view  these  works  of  blood 
And  horror,  these  two  corses  on  the  ground 
Laid  prostrate,  smitten  by  my  vengeful  arm. 
For  a  requital  of  ray  woes. 

ELECTRA. 

Such  scenes 
As  this,  O  Brother,  claim  a  flood  of  tears; 
But  I  have  been  the  cause :  for,  of  all  danger 
Regardless,  her  did  I  assail  who  bore  me. 
Hard  was  thy  fate,  my  Mother,  in  producing 
A  brood  so  impious;  what  thou  hast  endur'd 
From  thy  own  Children  hath,  alas!  been  wretched. 
And  more  than  wretched  :   for  my  Father's  death 
Yet  art  thou  justly  punish'd. 

ORESTES. 

Thou,  O  Phoebus, 
E'en  thou,  didst  by  thy  oracles  enjoin 
This  vengeance;  our  unutterable  woes 
Hast  thou  made  public.     From  the  Grecian  land 
Yet  thoii  the  baleful  nuptials  hast  expell'd. 
Which  were  with  gore  cemented.    To  what  city 
Shall  I  repair,  what  hospitable  friend. 
Or  who  that's  pious,  will  endure  the  sight 
Of  me  my  Mother's  murderer  i 

ELECTRA. 

What  resource 


5M  ELECTRA. 

Is  left  for  me?  ab,  wbitber  shall  I  go^ 
Wbere  celebrate  my  noptials  ?  to  bis  bed 
Wbat  bridegroom  wQl  receive  me? 


Yet  agaiB 
Is  your  opinion  altered  witb  tbe  wind  : 
For  now  a  sober  judgement  do  yoo  form, 
Tbo*  erst  yon  greatly  err'd.    Yon,  O  my  Sister^ 
Did  perpetrate  a  borrid  deed,  by  urging 
Your  Brother,  tbo'  reluctant.    Saw  yon  not 
My  wretched  Mother  draw  her  tissoed  robe 
Aside,  and  in  the  agonies  of  death 
Display  her  bosom  ?  on  the  ground,  alas, 
Drench'd  with  her  gore,  lies  the  maternal  corse. 
Her  by  the  hair  I  seiz'd: 

ELECTRA. 

Remorse^  I  know^ 
Enter'd  thy  sool^  soon  as  tbe  piteous  shrieks 
Thou  heard'st  of  her  who  bore  thee. 


She  these  words 
Did  also  utter,  with  uplifted  bands. 
Touching  my  beard  ;  "  I  sue  to  thee,  O  Son :" 
And  clung  around  me  witb  a  strict  embrace. 
Till  1  let  iall  the  sword. 

CHORUS. 

How,  wretched  woman^ 
Could'st  thou  endure  to  see  thy  Mother  breaitbe 
Her  last  ? 

ORESTTES. 

A  mantle  o'er  my  eyes  I  threw. 
And  the  unholy  sacrifice  began 
With  my  drawn  falchion,  on  my  Mother^s  neck 
The  stroke  inflicting. 


But  I  urg'd  thee  on. 
And  bore  a  srrord  with  thee. 


ELECTRA.  309 

You  must  I  leave^  and  be  by  you  forsaken. 

CASTOR* 

A  husband  and  a  home  are  hers ;  sbe  sufFers 
No  misery^  save  that  she  is  forc'd  to  qait 
The  Argive  city. 

electra* 

And  what  groans  more  deep 
Than  those  which  exile  from  our  native  land 
Calls  forth  ?  but  I  must  leave  my  Father's  house^ 
At  the  tribunal  of  a  foreign  realm^ 
For  having  slain  my  Mother^  to  endure 
A  trial* 

CASTOA. 

O  take  courage.    Thou  shalt  re^cfx 
Minerva's  holy  city,  therefore  learn 
To  bear  these  sorrows* 

ELECir{iAt 

Clasp  me  to  thy  bi'east, 
My  dearest  Brother ;  for  the  dreadful  curses 
Pronouno'd  by  our  slain  Mother,  drive  us  far 
From  our  paternal  mansion. 

0RESTE8. 

Come,  embrace  me. 
And  weep  as  if  'twere  o'er  my  grave. 

CASTOR. 

Alas  ! 
The  words  thou  speak'st,  with  sorrow  must  affect 
The  very  Gods  who  hear :  for,  in  this  bOsom, 
And  those  of  all  the  blest  celestial  Powers, 
Dwells  tender  pity  for  the  woes  of  man. 

ORESTES. 
I  ne'er  shall  see  you  more. 

ELECTRA* 

Nor  to  those  eyed 
Shall  I  again  appear. 

ORESTES. 

For  the  last  time 
With  you  I  now  converse. 


306  .  ELECTRA. 

Approve  of  all  that  he. ordains:  but  thou 

Must  act  hereafter  as  the  Fates  and  Jove 

Dispose  of  thee.     On  Pylades  bestow 

Electra^  let  him  take  bis  Consort  home : 

Leave  thou  thy  Argosy  for  thou  may'st  not  enter 

Its  gates>  because  thy  Mother  thou  hast  slain. 

But  those  dire  Goddesses  with  dog-ey'd  glare, 

The  Furies,  will  constrain  thee  far  to  roam 

A  frantic  exile :  but  when  thou  arriv'st 

At  Athens^  round  the  venerable  image 

Of  Pallas  twine  thy  suppliant  arms  :  for  them 

She  by  the  terrors  of  her  hissing  snakes 

Will  drive  away,  nor  suffer  them  to  touch  thee. 

Extending  her  broad  Mgis  o'er  thy  head. 

But,  nam'd  from  Mars  there  is  ascertain  hill 

Where  the  immortal  Powers  in  judgement  s^t 

On  murder,  when  the  cruel  God  of  war 

Slew  lustful  Halirrothius,  fir'd  with  rage 

Against  that  impious  miscreants  Neptune's  Son, 

Who  had  by  force  defiUd  his  (99)  Daughter's  bed ; 

There  each  decision  since  that  time  pronounc'd 

Is  sacred,  and  awarded  by  the  Gods  ; 

Thither  must  thou  repair,  and  take  thy  trial 

After  this  bloody  deed  :  in  number  equal. 

The  votes  shall  save  thee  from  the  doom  of  death ; 

For  Phoebus,  whose  oracular  response 

Urg'd  thee  to  slay  thy  Mother,  to  himself 

Shall  take  the  blame ;  and  an  establishM  law 

To  future  ages  shall  be  handed  down. 

That  the  accus'd,  when  thus  the  suffrages 

Are  equally  divided,  shall  prevail. 

Hell's  ruthless  Goddesses  on  this  decision. 

With  anguish  smitten,  underneath  the  hill 

Shall  enter  a  deep  cavern,  and  deal  forth 

An  oracle  held  sacred  by  mankind. 

(as)  Alcippe. 


>s,^ 


JELECTRA^  307 

But  on  the  banks  of  Alpheus  must  thoa  dwell, 

Near  the  Ljcsean  temple,  in  a  city 

Of  the  Arcadians,  which  from  thee  its  name 

Hereafter  shall  derive.    To  thee  these  words 

Have  I  address'd.     Let  Argos'  citizens 

Over  this  corse  of  slain  ^gisthus,  heap 

A  tomb.    But  M enelaus,  who  at  Nsiuplia 

Is  just  arriv'd  from  vanquish^  Dion's  coast. 

Shall  with  funereal  pomp  inter  thy  Mother, 

Aided  by  Helen  ;  for  from  Proteus*  house 

She  comes,  from  ^gypt,  nor  e'er  went  to  Troy.; 

But  Jove  an  image  of  that  lovely  dame 

Thither  convey'd,  among  mankind  to  cause 

Dire  strife  and  slaughter— therefore  that  pure  (23)Virgin  . 

Receiving  for  his  Bride,  let  Py lades 

Her  to  his  palace  in  Acfaaia  bear. 

And  taking  with  him  to  the  Phocian  realm 

The  man  they  call  the  Husband  of  thy  Sister, 

Reward  his.  merits  with  abundant  gold* 

But  with  adventurous  footsteps  must  thou  enter 

That  neck  of  land  the  Isthmus,  and  proceed 

To  a  blest  dwelling  in  Cecropia's  land. 

For  when,  such  punishment  as  fate  ordains 

Thou  hast  endur'd,  to  expiate  this  foul  murder, 

(24)  Shalt  thou  be  happy,  freed  from  all  thy  toilsi 

(S3)  Electra;  whose  remaining  tC  virgin  after  being  constrained  to 
many  the  Peasant,  together  with  her  stratagem  to  bring  Qytemnestra 
from  Argos,  by  pretending  that  she  had  been  delivered  of  a  Son,  foim 
so  considerable  a  part  of  the  plot  of  this  Tragedy.  Why  Dr.  Mns- 
grave,  in  his  notes  and  Latin  version,  alters  xogqy,  virginem,  into  x'^'** 
gaudens,  I  am  unable  to  comprehend:  cur  mutare  volnmus  si  nihil' 
cogat  ?  is  a  very  seasonable  admonition  of  Cannelli,  introduced  in  one 
of  his  remarks  on  an  eiqpression  in  this  very  scene. 

(34)  ^  Thus,  conformably  to  historic  truth,  is  Orestes  said,  after 
**  being  expiated  from  the  murder  of  his  Mother,  to  have  flourished  in 
**  a  long  and  happy  reign,  the  shortest  space  'aligned  to  which  is 
<<  twenty-^igbt  years,  some  say  fifty,  and  others  seventy^  for  he  is  be- 
"  lievedtohave  exceeded  the  ninetieth  year  of  his.age:  is  regard  to 
"  his  stature,  which  was  seven  cubits,  and  his  bones  being  discovered 

X  2 


£(08  ELECTllA. 

CHORUS. 

May  we  converse  with  you^  O  Son  of  Joye  i 

CASTOR. 

Ye  niay>  since  unpolluted  with  these  murders* 

ORESTES. 

And  is  it,  O  ye  progeny  of  Tyndarus, 
Allowable  for  me  to  speak  ? 

,  CASTOR. 

To  thee 
I  also  grant  permission  :  for  to  Phoebus 
Will  I  impute  the  bloody  deed. 

CHORUS. 

Yet  why, 
Gods  as  ye  are,  and  Brothers  to  the  slain. 
Did  ye  not  drive  the  ruthless  Fates  away 
Far  from  these  mansions  ? 

CASTOR. 

Hither  were  they  brought 
By  the  behests  of  dread  Necessity, 
And  those  unwise  responses  which  the  tongue 
Of  Phoebus  uttered. 

ELECTRA. 

But  what  Delphic  God, 
What  oracle,  pronounc'd  that  I  should  slay 
My  Mother  ? 

CASTOR. 
Common  were  your  deeds,  your  fates 
Are  common  too :  for  both,  one  evil  Genius, 
To  you  transmitted  from  your  ancestors. 
Hath  ruin'd. 

ORESTES. 

O,  my  Sister,  whom  agaja 
After  a  tedious  absence  I  behold. 
From  your  endearments  in  a  moment  torn, 

^  at  Tegem  a  elty  in  Araufia,  eonndt  Hero4«»tos,  L.  l,  07— M  and 
^'  Natriis  Comet  Mytiwl.  L.  9,  c.  !^.»    Bahuvs. 


ELECTRA*  309 

Yoa  most  I  leave,  and  be  by  you  forsaken, 

CASTOR. 

A  husband  and  a  home  are  hers;  she  sailers 
No  misery,  save  that  she  is  forc'd  to  quit 
The  Argiye  city. 

ELECFRA* 
And  what  groans  more  deep 
Than  those  which  exile  from  onr  native  land 
Calls  forth  ?  bat  I  most  leave  my  Father's  hoase^ 
At  the  tribunal  of  a  foreign  realin^ 
For  having  slain  my  Mother,  to  endure 
A  triaL 

CASTOR. 
O  take  courage.    Thou  shalt  rei^ch 
Minerva's  holy  city^  therefore  leam 
To  bear  these  sorrows. 


Clasp  me  to  thy  breast. 
My  dearest  Kother ;  for  the  dreadful  curses 
Prononnc'd  by  our  slam  Mother,  drive  us  far 
From  our  paternal  mansion. 

ORESTES. 

Come,  embrace  me^ 
And  weep  as  if  'twere  o'er  my  grave. 

CASTOR. 

Alas  ! 
The  words  thou  speak'st,  with  sorrow  must  affect 
The  very  Gods  who  hear :  for,  in  this  bosom^ 
And  those  of  all  the  blest  celestial  Powers, 
Dwells  tender  pity  for  the  woes  of  man. 

ORESTES, 

I  ne'er  shall  see  yoa  more. 

ELECTRA. 

Nor  to  those  eyes 
Shall  I  again  appear. 

ORESTES. 

For  the  last  time 

With  you  I  now  converse. 


510  ELECTRA. 

ELECTRA.      . 

Farewell,  O  city ; 
I  also  bid  a  long  farewell  to  you 
Its  lov'd  inhabitants. 

ORESTES. 

Most  faithful  Sister, 
Are  you  already  going  ? 

ELECTRA. 

I  depart, 
While  tears  bedew  my  cheeks. 

ORESTES. 

Exulting,  leave 
These  realms,  O  Pylades,  and  with  thee  take 
Electra  thy  affianc'd  Wife. 

CASTOR. 

Let  them 
To  their  espousals  see  :  but  to  escape 
Those  hounds  of  hell  the  Fpries,  haste  to  Athens : 
For  with  terrific  mien,  they  come  to  seize  thee. 
Brandishing  serpents,  they  are  black  as  night. 
And  in  their  vengeful  hands  aloof  they  bear 
The  bitter  wages  of  impiety. 
But  we  with  speed  to  the  Sicilian  deep. 
To  guard  th'  adventurous  harks  of  those  who  stem 
The  ocean,  must  repair  :  as  thro'  the  plains 
Of  trackless  Ether  our  career,  we  bold. 
We  never  grant  protection  to  the  wicked ; 
But  those  to  whom  the  laws  of  sanctity 
And  justice,  thro'  this  mortal  life,  are  dear, 
Tho'  compass'd  by  unnumbered  toils,  we  save. 
Let  no  man  therefore  be  dispos'd  to  act 
Unjustly,  or  with  perjur'd  comrades  sail ; 
To  mortals,  I,  who  am  a  God,  declare 
These  aweful  truths. 

CHORUS. 

Farewell.    And  sure  the  man 
To  whorn  this  wish  is  granted,  he  who  ^e^h 
No  pressure  of  calamity,  is  blest. 


FRAGMENTS. 


i     * 


Depascimnr  aorea  Dieta, 
Aardty  perpetali  lemper  dignittima  vitfty 

y  LccRBTroi. 


Hie  letters  B*  and  M*  are  references  to  Barneses  and  Dr.  MosgniTe's 
editionsy  for  the  convenience  of  any'  readers  ^riio  may  choose  to  exa- 
mine particular  paanges  in  the  origioal :  the  former  faATing  nmnbered 
the  lines,  the  latter  only  the  detached  sentevces,  the  references  are 
figured  accordingly  in  the  margin,  after  the  first  sixty  lineSi  which  are 
the  same  in  both  editions.  I  faave  added  a  few  more  Vkvfnents  from 
Heath*s  Notes  on  the  Greek  Tragic  Writen,  and  ValfcemM»r^  Disser- 
tation subjoined  to  his  Hippolytus* 


FRAGMENTS. 


^f 


99eS99ESSSSESS55SSBB9B 

DANAE. 


Tutiim  iter  ac  patens 
Conveno  in  pretinm  Deo.         HoR. 


MERCURY. 

1  HESE  (1)  mansions^  and  this  fortress  well  begirt 
With  lofty  ramparts^  no  vain  pomp  display. 

Monarchy  and  Priest^  Acrisius  here  commands; 

Among  the  Greeks  this  city  is  called  Argos. 

But  eager  to  obtain  a  Son,  the  King 

Entered  the  Pythian  temple,  and  addressed 

This  question  to  Apollo  ;  by  what  means 

With  a  male  offspring  he  his  house  might  strengthen^ 

Thro'  what  propitious  God^  or  human  aid  ? 

But  dark  was  the  response  which  Phoebus  utter'd ; 

''  In  time  »ha]t  a  male  progeny  be  given> 

^  Not  sprung  from  thy  own  loins  :  thou  must  beget 

"  A  Daughter  first ;  she  knowings  yet  not  knowings 

(i)  <<  The  Peet  dees  not  here  say  that  Argos  or  Mycene  are  poor 
^*  citlett  for  thia  would  bo  a  downright  contra,  ictioii  to  Homer*  ^lo 
'<  in  0xprea9  words  ea}la  Mycene  rich : 

"  nta^^mnXm  foo9U;^gu9ii»  Mt^seiiiv.     H.  L.  7,  V.  ISO. 

^  bnt  means  that  the  ivatts  of  this  palace  and  city,  not  so  beaatiib}  and 
^'  splendid  as  dnraUe,  are  constructed  with  steel  and  adamant,  being 
«  the  workmanship  of  the  Cy<!lopS|  as  lias  been  mentioned  in  several 
'<  other  passages."    BArm£S. 

They  who  are  dissatisfied  with  Uie  text  as  it  stands  in  tlie  printed  edi- 
tions, and  love  conjectural  reading  and  transposition,  will  meet  with 
abundant  gratification  by  referring  to  Di*.  Musgrave's  notes. 


314  FRAGMENTS. 

*^  Bystealth,  a  paramour^  shall  to  her  Sire 
'^  A  winged  Lion  for  liis  Grandchild  bear, 
''  Who  over  tb^se  domains  shall  rule  supreme." 
Hearing  these  oracles,  he  for  a  time 
The  genial  couch  abandon'd ;  but  unmindful 
Of  his  resolves,  and  by  desire  overcome. 
He  afterwards  a  Daughter  did  beget. 
On  whom  he  from  this  long  delay  bestow'd 
The  name  of  Danae  ;  soon  as  she  was  born. 
He  in  those  (2)  female  chambers  he  had  rear'd. 
Consigned  her  to  the  care  of  Argive  virgins : 
Using  precautions,  lest  she  should  behold 
,The  face  oF  man  :  but  after  she  was  grown 
To  full  maturity,  and  thro'  all  Grpece 
Distinguisli'd  for  her  charms;  Jove,  mighty  Sire, 
By  Love's  inevitable  magic  caught. 
Attempted  to  ascend  her  bed  in  secret. 
But  by  the  open  language  of  persuasion 
Failing  to  win  the  Nymph,  he  next  devis'd 
This  artifice;  tfansform'd  to  purest  gold 
(Aware  that  gold's  what  mort^ds  covet  most) 
From  the  steep  roof,  to  glide  into  the  hands 
Of  th'  inexperienc'd  Virgin  ;  the  deep  fraud 

(2)  The  TiufisKxieu,  or  cliambers  appropriated  for  the  separate  residence 
of  the  women,  and  amwering)  as  Barnes  obserres,  to  tilie  SeragticB  among 
the  Turks,. are  frequently  mentioned  by  our  author.  But  the  place  of 
Danae's  confinemeht  is  by  Apollodorus  said  to  have  been  a  brazen  dun- 
geon built  for  Uiat  purpose  by  her  Father  Acrisius,  on  being  informed  by 
the  oracle  that  she  was  to  bear  a  Son  who  would  kill  his  Grandfather, 
and  take  possession  of  his  kingdote.  Ant.  -Thylesins,  who  hai  written  a 
Tragedy  on  this  subject,  called  Imber  Aureus,  printed  at  Venice  in  1529, 
represents  Danae*s  prison  as  erected  by  Vulcan  and  bis  Cyclops,  to  w1m>ri 
Acrisius  not  only  gives  a  splendiji  entertainment,  but  orders  his  servants 
to  pour  forth  upon  the  ground  ^ents  of  gold,  ^hich  he  invites  tfaem  ta 
take  up  double  handfuls  of. 

Prius  tamcn  talenta  humi  hamuli  diffundite. 
TJtraque  largiter  capite  manu  quas  debeo. 

Tlie  reader  will  probably  deidre  no  faither  specimen  frpm  this  piece, 
which  is  very  rarely  to  be  met  with. 


FRAGMENTS,  315 

She  knew  not,  and  receivM  the  molten  God 

Into  her  bosom :  but  when  she  at  lenji^th 

Perceiv'd  the  growing  burden  of  her  womb. 

She  was  o'ei  whelm'd  with  wonder,  nor  could  guess 

How  it  was  possible  for  her  to  fall 

Into  such  infamy,  when  she  her  honour  .    . 

Had  still  preserv'd  :  but  while  in  secrecj' 

She  hence  would  fly,  her  Father,  having  learnt 

The  cause,  inflamed  with  anger,  hath  confined. 

And  keeps  her  in  a  dungeon,  that  the  truth 

With  his  own  eyes  he  may  explore;  resolving, 

Soon  as  her  shame  he  shall  perceive  confirmed 

Beyond  all  doubt,   to  cast  into  the  sea 

His  Daughter  and  her  Child.     Me  therefore  Jove 

To  Danae  hath  with  acceptable  tidings 

Dispatched,  which  I  shall  instantly  convey; 

For  every  prudent  Messenger,  with  zeal 

Ought  to  perform  the  mandates  of  his  Lord.         [EjiV. 

*  4 

CHORUS  OF  ARGIVE  VIRGINS. 
What  wondrous  tidings  reach  our  ears ! 
With  speed  augmented  by  my  fears, 
I  seek  the  palace  of  the  King. 
Whence  can  these  envious  rumours  spring. 
That  thro'  each  street  with  loud  acclaim, 
Bely  fair  Danae*s  virgin  fame  ? 
Curs'd  be  that  slanderer's  baleful  tongue 
Which  first  her  honour  dar'd  to  wrong. 
And,  "  by  some  paramour  defil'd," 
Sj^ys,  '*  she  is  pregnant."     But  his  Child 
Acrisius  tends  with  anxious  guard. 
Her  chambers  closely  hath  he  barr'd  ; 
The  real  truth  I  wish  tq  learn. 
But  from  the  palace,  I  discern 
The  Sovereign  of  this  Argive  state. 
Now  coming  hither:  with  a  weight 
Of  griefs  opprest  he  seems  to  tread, 
Because  his  Daughter  would  have  fled. 


316  FRAGMENTS. 

Think'st  tboQ  Hell  heeds  thy  plaints,  and  mil  restore 
Tby  breathless  Son,  if  still  thou  groan  ?  desist : 
For  thou  with  greater  ease  wilt  learn  to  bear 
Thine  own,  while  thou  behold'sk  thy  neighbour's  woes/ 
B.      66     IF  thou  reflect  how  many  are  confln'd 
M.  l>ic-      By  galling  chains,  and  of  their  children  reft, 
tjrs  14      How  many  in  a  miserable  old  age 

Now  pine  away,  and  they  who  erst  were  great 
And  happy  Kings,  are  dwindled  into  nothing. 
These  ought  to  be  the  objects  thon  observ'sr. 

My  doctrine's  this,  the  fortunes  of  mankind 
Are  like  that  changeful  element  call'd  Air, 
Whose  qualities  are  these ;  a  blaze  of  light 
In  summer  it  displays,  and  the  thick  clouds 
Assembling,  swells  tb*  unwelcome  wintry  gloom, 
B.     74     Causes  the  vernal  flower  to  bloom  and  fade 
M«i,p598  To  live  and  die:  such  is  the  race  of  man, 
A  radiant  calm  of  happy  days  to  some 
Is  by  the  Fates  allotted,  but  for  others 
The  sky  grows  black  with  storms :  some  lead  a  life 
Of  misery,  some  of  bliss,  and  to  events 
Which  seem  auspicious,  others-  owe  their  ruin. 

With  what  heroic  virtues  are  the  souls    ^ 
Of  all  who  spring  from  noble  fathers  warm'd  I 

r 

No  man  is  unsubdu'd  by  gold,  at  least 

If  such  there  be,  i  know  not  where  to  find  him. 

He  who  delights  to  fill  his  house  with  treasure, 
Tlio'  lo  his  cravmg  stomach  lie  denies 
E'en  necessary  food,  is  ripe  to  plunder 
The  statues  of  the  Gods,  I  deem,  and  wage 
Against  his  dearest  friends  unnatural  war. 

Love  is  a  slothful  guest  estranged  from  toil, 
He  in  the  mirror  places  his  delight, 
B.      91      And  waving  ringlets  ting  a  with  auburn  hues. 
But  flies  from  industry:  1  will  advance 


B. 

83 

M. 

2 

B. 

85 

M. 

S 

B. 

87 

M. 

4 

II.   .     5 


\ 

J 


FRAGMENTS. 


3ir 


One  single  proof  of  this,  no  mendicant 
Was  e*er  Love's  votary ;  bal  among  the  song^ 
Of  wealth  alone  the  wanton  God  resides. 

To  all  young  men  this  counsel  I  address ; 
Wait  not  till  ye  are  old,  ere  ye  contract 
Espousals  and  beget  a  race  of  children  ^ 
For,  to  his  Consort,  is  the  aged  Husband 
A  torment,  not  delight:  wed  therefore  early : 
For  in  life's  prime  more  grateful  are  the  toils 
Of  education,  and  the  tender  Son 
Looks  with  complacence  on  his  youthful  Sire* 

A  Woman,  leaving  the  paternal  house. 
No  longer  to  her  parents  doth  belong, 
But  to  her  Husband :  the  male  progeny 
In  their  Sire's  mansions  are  for  ever  stationed, 
Champions  of  their  hereditary  Gods, 
And  hallow'd  tombs  of  their  progenitors. 

There  is  a  proverb,  that  in  subtile  arts 
Women  excel,  tho'  men  best  poise  the  spear : 
If  conquest  were  by  stratagem  alone 
To  be  obtained,  our  sex  o'er  man  would  rule. 

My  voice  concurs  with  thine  :  in  every  sphere 
Above  our  feeble  sex  man's  genius  soars. 

O  woman,  grateful  are  these  solar  beams. 

And,  when  the  winds  are  hush'd,  'tis  s>yeet  to  view 

The  level  ocean,  earth  with  verdure  deck'd. 

The  plenteous  waters  of  refreshing  springs. 

And  there  are  many  beauteous  objects  more 

Whose  praise  I  might  recount:  yet  none  more  welcome 

Than  Children,  when  they  to  the  house  of  those 

Who  long  despair'd  of  issue,  give  new  lustre. 

Pois'd  in  my  arms,  and  clinging  round  my  neck 
In  childish  sport,  he  with  a  thousand  kisses 
•Shall  win  my  soul;  these  blandishments,  my  Sire, 
Work  more  than  magic  philtres  on  mankind. 


B. 
M. 


9f 


B.  106,  Sc 
Add.p.5S0 

M.      r 


B. 

108 

M. 

8 

B. 

lU 

M. 

9 

B. 

M. 


114 
10 


B. 
M. 


ISl 
11 


sis  FRAGMENTS. 


M.      13 


B. 

1 

M. 

t 

B. 

3 

11. 

3 

B. 

5 

M. 

6 

B. 
M. 

6 

7 

B. 
M. 

10 
5 

B 

16 

M. 

9 

B. 

1 

11. 

9 

B. 

5 

M. 

1 

The  sayings  of  the  wealthy »  men  term 
But  when  the  poor,  when  he  who  (lom  a  line 
Of  homble  ancestors  derives  his  birth, 
B.    125     Discreetly  speaks,  they  laogh :  but  I  fbU  oft 
^     12      Observe  the  indigent  exceed  the  rich 

In  wisdom^  and  find  men  who  in  their  hands 
Bear  a  small  oflFering  to  the  Gods,  more  pious 
Than  them  who  sacrifice  the  bleeding  steer. 

t^     There's  no  beleaguered  fort^  nor  gold^  nor  aught 


So  difficult  to  be  preserved  as  Woman. 


^  G  E  U  S. 

E'en  to  the  fallen  this  privilege  belongs 
Of  shewing  courage  by  a  generous  death. 

Restrain  thy  Tongue,  eke  will  it  prove  thy  bane. 

Under  a  virtuous  ruler,  there  is  bliss 
In  being  subject  e'en  to  kingly  power. 

Better  than  noble  birth  is  prospeg^us  fortune. 

The  wives  of  timid  men  are  b^d  in  speech. 

Him  too  inevitable  Death  awaits 

Who  sits  at  home  remote  from  every  toil. 


iEGLUS. 

Small  is  the  strength  of  man  :  yet  he,  by  art. 
Subdues  the  monsters  of  the  billowy  deep. 
And  every  tribe  that  peoples  earth  or  air. 

But  (3)  what  is  base,  if  it  appear  not  base 

To  those  who  practise  what  their  soul  approves  ? 

(3)  From  the  accounts  transmitted  to  us  of  this  piece,  collected  by 
Barnes  and  Dr.  IVf  usgrave  in  tbeir  arguments  piefij^ed  to  its 


FRAGMENTS. 

What  can  men  need,  but  these  two  things,  the  fruits 
Which  Ceres  yields,  and  the  refreshing  spring, 
£ver  at  hand,  by  bounteous  nature  given 
To  nourish  us?  we  from  this  plenty  rise 
Dissatisfied,  and  yielding  to  th'  allurements 
Of  luxury,  search  out  for  other  viands. 

Talk  not  of  Plutus ;  I  despise  the  God 
Whom  every  villain  may  with  ease  possess. 

Silence  becomes  (4)  the  wise  man  when  he  comes 

Amidst  associates  of  superior  rank : 

But  may  I  never  be  the  friend  or  comrade 

Of  him,  who  trusting  in  his  own  discretion 

As  all-sufficient,  treats  his  friends  like  slaves ! 

Think  ye  the  world  could  be  inhabited. 
If  without  any  of  the  rich,  the  poor  ^ 

Dwelt  in  a  city?  Good  with  evil  blended 
Cannot  be  severed,  but  to  constitute 
The  general  happiness,  a  certain  mixture 
Is  requisite;  for  what  the  poor  man  wants 
The  rich  bestows,  and  we  of  affluent  fortunes. 
Supplying  what  we  have  not  by  their  toil. 
Gain  in  return  due  homage  from  the  poor. 

Let  neither  they  who  in  embattled  fields. 
Or  in  the  senate  baye  acquir'd  renown. 
At  vain  refinements  aim,  but  to  the  city 
Give  those  important  counsels  which  it  needs. 

Oft  from  necessity  doth  courage  spring. 

FragmentB,  it  a^pean  to  bave  been  founded  on  the  incestucfus  passion  of 
Macarius  Son  of  ^Soku,  for  bis  Sister  Canace,  which  is  Uie  subject  of 
Ovid's  eleventh  epistle;  and  this  impious  sentence  is,  as  Barnes  observes, 
well  suited  to  such  a  situation. 

(4)  I  bave  here  followed  Dr.  Musgrave  in  reading  K^iurvm*  tig  ofMUat 
9fov»7a :  K^tavTiy  instead  of  x^iovw,  ii  is  all  tlie  variation  he  has  made: 
f  {^Ky  T(  for  wnn/kt  was  Grotios's  conjecture.  See  Stobxi  Florileg.  Tit.  9S, 
p.  lis,  and  the  notes,  p.  527,  ed.  Parb  1625. 


31!) 


B. 

10 

M.Incerta» 

p.  14 

B. 

15 

M. 

14 

B. 

19 

M. 

4 

B. 


23 
6 


B. 

90 

M. 

r 

B. 

3S 

M. 

8 

B. 

54 

M. 

10 

B. 

37 

M. 

20 

B. 

41 

M. 

11 

B. 

44 

M. 

12 

320  FRAGMENTS- 

Full  many  various  qualities  distingaish 

The  Cyprian  Goddess ;  both  supreme  delight 

And  sorrow  she  dispenses  to  mankind : 

O  may  I  meet  with  her  when  most  propitious* 

The  sons  of  my  brave  sons  may  I  behold 
Graced  with  a  form  deserving  of  the  throne  ! 
For  *tis  the  greatest  glory  life  can  yield 
When  by  the  mien  the  virtues  are  exprest. 

Wed  not  a  stripling  to  the  tender  maid : 
For  thro'  a  longer  space  the  strength  of  man 
Endures^  but  female  beauty  s6on  decays. 

Whoe'er  with  olds  the  censures  due  to  woman 
Is  a  mean  wretch  ;  I  cannot  call  him  wise. 

By  all  the  Gods,  my  Father,  talk  no  more 
Of  our  nobility,  which  but  consists 
In  Wealth,  away  with  such  unmeaning  pride: 
M,     13      ^^^  riches  in  a  circle  wheel,  some  have 

And  others  want  them  :  they  for  common  use 
Were  first  by  Heaven  intended ;  yet  is  he 
Whose  house  retains  them  long,  a  happy  man. 

A  thing  I  am  not  anxious  to  preserve 
Is  this  frail  life ;  for  soon  as  one  woe  ends. 
Others  commence,  and  our  weak  eyes  discern  not 
What  evil  fortunes  vet  remain  behind. 

SuiFer  we  must :  but  he  who  best  endures 
The  ills  inflicted  bj^  the  Gods,  is  wise. 

How  true  this  antient  saying;  we  old  men 
Are  nought  but  trouble,  and  an  empty  shadow, 
We  crawl  about,  the  semblances  of  dreams. 
And  of  our  mental  faculties  deprived. 
Still  fancy  we  with  wisdom  are  endued. 

Unless  old  age  to  Venus  bid  farewell, 
B.      60     The  wanton  Goddess  with  disdain  the  suit 
Qf  her  decrepid  votary  will  reject. 


B.       46 


B. 

51 

M. 

15,16 

B. 

54 

M. 

17 

B. 

66 

M. 

18 

M.      19 


FRAGMENTS. 

Whoever  too  precipitately  yields 

To  anger,  shall  find  sorrow  at  the  last : 

For  wrath  unbridled  oft  deceives  mankind. 

My  children^  he  is- wise  who  can  express 
His  reasons  clearly  in  the  fewest  words. 

For  (5)  Hellen  it  appears  is  sprung  from  Jove  j 

But  Hellenes  son  was  -Solus,  the  Sire 

Of  Sisiphus,  and  A  th  am  as,  and  Cretheus,  M.     23 

And,  him  who  those  ideal  thunders  hurl'd 

On  Alpheus'  banks,  Salmoneus  frantic  king. 


B. 

62 

M. 

3 

B. 

64 

M. 

5 

CASSANDRA. 

Time  will  display  thy  merits;  by  this  test  B. 

Shall  I  know  whether  thou  art  good  or  worthless.  ^* 

Thou  fail*st  where  thou  should'st  conquer,  and,  O  King, 

M. 


Triumph'st  where  least  thou  ought'st :  for  to  thy  slaves. 


Not  to  thy  free-born  citizens  thou  yield'st. 

Slander's  a  dreadful  mischief  to  mankind : 

But  he  whose  tongue  expresses  not  his  thoughts  B* 

With  eloquence,  tho'  what  he  speak  be  just. 

Is  oft  overcome  by  him  of  fluent  words. 

Wise  as  thou  art,  O  Priam,  yet  to  thee 

I  say  no  pest  exceeds  the  slave  whose  soul 

Soars  high  above  his' rank;  nor  is  there  aught  ^^ 

Among  the  large  possessions  which  thy  house 

Contains,  than  him  more  baleful  or  more  useless* 

My  censures  they  deserve,  the  menial  train  g^ 

Are  so  corrupt,  by  gluttony  engrossed,  M. 

They  take  not  the  least  heed  of  what's  to  come. 

(5)  Hellen,  from  whom  the  Greeks  derived  theur  most  antient  title  of 
HeUeneans,  was,  according  to  Strabo,  the  son  of  Deucalion  and  Pyrrha  j 
ApoUodorus  Ukewise  calls  Deucapon  and  Pyrrha  his  parents,  but  adds 
fat  some  assert  he  was  the  son  of  Jupiter. 


522 


FRAGMENTS. 


B.       17 
M.  9,   7 


B. 


B. 


22 
11 


23 
12 


B. 

33 

M. 

13 

B. 

35 

M. 

14 

B. 

36 

M. 

15 

B. 

40 

M. 

16 

B. 

41 

M. 

17 

• 

b: 

44 

M. 

18 

B. 

48 

M. 

20 

The  slaves  who  to  their  masters  are  attach*d^ 
Among  their  equals  to  themselves  create 
Most  bitter  enmities.— Abandon'd  miscreants^ 
In  whose  subjection  reason  hath  no  share, 
Tho'  to  this  state  ye  are  reduc'd  by  fortune ! 

With  those  of  the  same  manners  as  their  own. 
The  wicked  ever  form  the  nuptial  league. 

Superfluous  are  our  praises^  if  bestowed 

Upon  the  frail  nobility  of  man. 

For  when  in  antient  times  we  fi/st  were  born. 

The  teeming  Earth  our  universal  parent 

Out  of  the  same  materials  form^  us  all. 

Nor  is  there  aught  which  we  can  term  our  own. 

The  noble  and  ignoble  from  one  stem 

Derive  their  pedigree :  in  later  times 

Tho'  human  laws  gave  sanction  to  vain  pomp* 

Wisdom's  the  source  of  true  nobility. 

Gold  cannot  buy  it,  but  the  Gods  bestow. 

There's  no  nobility  among  the  wicked. 
But  with  the  virtuous  is  it  ever  found. 

Unjust  is  gold,  the  source  of  impious  deeds. 

*Tis  wealth  and  luxury  that  makes  men  cowards : 
But  poverty,  which  we  esteem  a  curse. 
Trains  up  a  hardy  and  industrious  race. 

How  true,  that  no  man  is  completely  blest ! 

Death  is  the  lot  of  all,  but  wisdom  teaches 
How  to  confine  our  sorrow  in  due  bounds, 
For  an  affliction  common  to  mankind. 

O  Hecuba,  how  unexpected  come 
The  wondrous  visitations  of  the  Gods 
To  mortals,  but  they  never  are  attended 
By  a  loog  series  of  the  same  events. 

Shed  not  fresh  tears  for  ills  of  antient  date. 


FRAGMENTS. 

Ah  me,  I  thro*  that  uprightness  of  soul 
Shall  perish,  to  which  others  owe  their  safety. 

The  God  ordain'd  that  my  prophetic  voice 
Should  sound  without  effect :  I  by  the  wretched. 
And  them  who  groan  beneath  affliction's  load. 
Am  now  term'dwise,  tho*,  ere  they  suffered  aught, 
With  them  I  only  pass'd  for  one  distracted. 

HECUBA. 
Why  darts  this  frenzy  from  the  burning  eyes 
Of  her  who  lately  was  a  bashful  maid  i 

CASSANDRA. 

0  Mother,  best  of  women,  I  am  sent 
To  utter  the  abstruse  decrees  of  Heaven, 
Nor  dolh  the  Delian  God  against  nay  will 
Fire  my  rapt  soul.     I  and  my  virgin  comrades 
Are  stung  by  a  foreknowledge  of  the  shame 
Which  waits  my  virtuous  Sire :   O  Mother,  thee 

1  pity,  and  contemplate  my  own  failings 
With  anguish;  for  to  Priam  didst  thou  bear 

A  race  most  perfect,  all  but  me ;  this  heightens 
My  griefs,  to  think  I  but  augment  thy  woes; 
While  they  console  thee,  and  their  duteous  zeal 
Hath  render'd  my  tranjsgression  the  more  heinous. 

Cover'd  with  blood,  and  flames,  alas!  it  comes. 
The  torch  which  was  conceal'd  for  many  years : 
Assist  me  to  extinguish  it,  my  friends. 

By  skilful  artists  fram'd,  now  o'er  the  waves 
<Jlides  the  swift  navy  with  destruction  fraught* 
The  furious  mariners  assembling  fill 
Yon  crowded  haven  with  their  hostile  sails. 

Ah,  see  some  Youth  unknown  decides  the  strife 
Betwixt  three  Goddesses,  and  thro*  the  judgement 
He  hath  pronounc'd,  a  Spartan  Dame  will  come. 
One  of  the  Furies,  to  tbis.Phrygian  coast, 

T  2 


B.        49 
M.        5 


B.  Adden 
da,  Prei 
p.  lii. 

M.       22 


B.  A^dei 
da,  p  517 
Cic^roy  dc 

Div.  1.  i 

s.  Si. 


ib. 


ib. 


ib. 

ib.  L.  i. 

0.60. 


524  FRAGMENTS. 

B.'  Adden-  o  PhcBbus,  sacred  Power,  who  thy  abode 

Gcwor  dV  Full '»  ^^e  ^^^^^  ^^  ^^^  ^^^^^  ^^^^  *^'^' 
Div*Lii.  Whence  Superstition's  baleful  voice  first  bsued. 

Because  the  pregnant  Mother  in  her  dream 
Suppos'd  that  she  brought  forth  a  blazing  torch. 
On  this  did  father  Priam,  Ilion's  King, 
Smitten  with  dread,  and  anxious  cares,  to  Heaven' 
Heatb,        Present  the  bleating  victims,  sue  for  peace, 
^'  ^^'        And  ask  if  any  Prophet,  having  prayM 
Occro   Oe  To  Phoebus,  could  inform  him,  what  events 
DWo.1.1.  gy^j^  ^  portentous  vision  would  produce. 
Apollo  his  oracular  response 
Then  uttered,  with  a  voice  divine ;  "  The  Boy, 
*^  Who  next  to  royal  Priam  shall  be  born, 
"  Beware  of  breeding  up,  for  he  will  prove 
*'  The  pest  and  ruin  of  his  native  land." 


ALCMiEON. 

M<EAtami|Be  Eriphilen, 
Cradelis  nati  monstraiitem  yulnera  cenut.  Virgii.. 


(6)  Thou,  venerable  man,  if  thou  on  me 
n^       ^     Bestow  the  lovely  Virgin,  shalt  be  call'd 
M*     n     Not  my  Bride's  Father  only,  but  mine  too. 

And  the  preserver  of  an  hopeless  wretch. 

(6)  Eriphile,  wife  to  Amphiaraiu,  hsfiog  been  bribed  by  Polynlceff 
to  prevftil  on  her  Hntbnnd  to  aooompanjK  Adnstis  to  the  Thebnnwnr 
in  which  Amphianutt  (being  a  prophet)  foresaw  he  should  perish,  be  left 
im  injunction  with  his  son  Alcnueon  to  slay  his  Mother  as  soon  as  he  at- 
tained the  age  of  manhood :  but  before  he  had  executed  the  comnumd 
€f  his  Father,  a  present  of  a  golden  necklace  and  robe  from  Ther-* 
Sander,  the  son  of  Polynices,  prevailed  on  Eripbile  to  send  forth  her 
Son  with  the  Epigoni  to  make  a  second  attack  on  Thebes :  he  returned 
victorious,  and  haying  discovered  this  repetition  of  his  Moor's  trea* 
cU^iy,  and  consulted  th^  oracle  of,  ApoUoi  inybmed  hii  hattds  in  her 


HlAGMENtS.  325 

Hast  thou  no  duteous  reverence  for  thy  Sire  { 

My  Father's  counsels  urg*d  me,  wfaen^  bis  car 
Ascending^  he  to  Thebes  pursued  his  way. 

Behold  the  vanquisb'd  Monarch,  how  he  flies, 
Reft  of  his  children,  and  bow'd  down  with  age ! 
A  mortal  should  not  raise  bis  views  too  |iigb. 

They  who  by  adverse  fortune  are  opprest. 
Should  hold  an  humble  language,  and  ne'er  look 
Up  to  the  giddy  height  of  their  past  grandeur* 

The  great,  alas!  great  evils  must  endure. 

Servants  are  partners  in  their  master's  woes. 

The  Man  who  places  in  a  slave  his  trust, 
Is  in  my  Judgement  guilty  of  much  folly. 

Learn  from  my  words,  that  woman,  to  her  lord 
The  greatest  good  and  greatest  mischief  brings. 

The  crimes  which  'gainst  our  parents  we  commit, 
Call  down  the  vengeance  of  imperial  Jove. 

Of  what  avail  are  Children  to  their  Fathers, 
If  we  assist  them  not  in  their  afflictions  ? 

How  true  is  this  remark,  O  Son  of  Creon, 
That  virtuous  men  beget  a  virtuous  race; 
But  they  who  from  the  wicked  spring,  resemble 
The  nature  of  their  Sire  :  for  with  such  care 
Can  none  train  up  the  Children  as  to  guard 
Those  who  have  worthless  Fathers  from  oormption. 

blood :  after  this  he  became  distracted,  and  wandsred  tiU  he  reached 
Fsophis,  a  city  of  Arcadia,  ^here  Phegeos  reigned ;  Alcmaeon  was  for 
a  time  restored  to  his  senses,  on  being  expiated  from  the  nnirder  of  hu 
Mother  by  Phegeos,  who  gave  him  his  daughter  Arsinoe  in  marriage. 
The  subAeqoent  misfortwiea  add  death  <xf  Alcmison  reteted  by  ApoliO'^ 
doniB  do  not  seem  to  bdong  to  this  Tragtdy.  Dt.  Muigrfve  considers 
the  above  speech  99  by  hira  addressed  to  Fheg«i4» 


M. 

6 
U 

B. 

7 
U 

B. 

9 
9 

B. 

M. 

11 
2 

B. 
M. 
B. 
M. 

13 

3 

14 

4 

B. 
M. 

15 
5 

B. 

It 

B. 

19 

7 

B. 

22 
10 

• 

B.       24 

M.  S&In. 

ten.  63. 

3S8  FRAGMENTS; 


ib. 


ANDROMEDA. 

PERSEUS. 
To  what  Barbarian  land^  with  winged  feet. 
Ye  Gods,  have  I  been  borne  !   for  thro'  the  midst 
B.  Addco.  Of  ether's  trackless  fields  my  path  dividing, 
di,  p.  518,  Here,  for  a  while,  I  Perseus  stay  my  flight. 
Bound  on  a  voyage  to  the  Argive  realm. 
Thither  the  Gorgon's  head  ordain'd  to  bear. 

But  ha!  what  rock  do  I  heboid,  what  Nymph 
>^«       Fair  as  a  Goddess,  like  some  anchor'd  ship,  . 

Bound  fast  with  cords,  stands  on  the  craggy  beach  ? 

ANDROMEDA.  ^ 

On  me  most  wretched  Damsel,  generous  Stranger, 
Take  pity,  loose,  O  loose,  these  galling  chains. 

PERSEUS. 

ib.        With  pity  I  behold  thee  bound,  O  Virgin. 

ANDROMEDA. 

But  who  art  thou  that  pitiest  my  distress  ? 

ANDROMEDA. 

ib.       To  what  dire  monster  have  the  Gods  expps'4  JQi^  ? 

PERSEUS. 

Some  weakness  harbouirs  in  eacli  human  breast : 
But  me  the  love  of  this  fair  Nymph  hath  seiz'd. 

Tyrant  of  Gods,  and  men,  O  Love,  forbear 
(9)  To  dress  up  evil  in  that  specious  form, 

(9)  lAciaii  at  the  begmning  of  his  treatise,  on  the  naimer  in  wkich 
History  ought  to  be  wiifteoy  says,  ,t|)at  |fie  peof^^  of  A)>4^t%  » <»ty  in 
Thrace,  dnring  the  reign  of  Lynmachns,  were  so  affected  by  tiie  per- 
formance of  tins  Tragedy,  in  the  midst  of  sommer,  that  they  nm 
taviog  aboDt  the  streets,  repeatmg this invocati<m  of  Love,  tillasevere 
>Rinter  testored  them  to  their  senses. 


ib. 


Or  to  these  labours,  grant  a  bkst  eveot, 

In  which  thou  prompt'st  the  Lover  to  enga^ge.  'd^.^^s^ 

By  acting  thus,  thou  from  the  Gods  themselves  j^^     *  ^ 

Shalt  gain  due  honours,  but  if  thou  refuse^ 

E'en  they  whose  breasts  thou  filPst  with  warm  desire, 

Thee  of  thy  wonted  homage  shall  bereave. 

Sacred  Night, 
O  what  a  long  career  dost  thou  perform. 
Driving  thy  chariot  thro'  the  starry  space 
Of  ether,  and  Olympus'  hallow'd  fields ! 

PERSEUS,    . 

O  Virgin,  if  I  save  thee,  with  what  thanks 
Wilt  thou  repay  me  ? 

ANDROMEDA. 

Take  me  to  thyself, 

0  Stranger,  for  a  servant,  if  thou  list, 
Or  for  thy  Consort. 

But  thither  the  whole  band  of  Shepherds  came. 
One  brought  a  cup  of  ivy  fill'd  with  milk. 
The  sweet  refreshment  of  his  toils,  a  second 
The  generous  liquor  of  the  vine. 

1  will  not  give  consent  to  your  begetting 
A  spurious  progeny,  for  tho*  inferior 
In  no  respect  to  children  born  in  wedlock* 
Yet  are  they  harshly  tr^ted  by  the  laws. 
And  of  this  grievance  ought  you  to  beware*. 

Thou  canst  not  siee  Jove's  power  how  great 
Presiding  o*er  the  work  of  fate ; 
!For  some  he  causes  ^very  day 
To  flourish,  others  to  decay. 

I  gain'd  not  fame  bvit  with  unnumber'd  toils. 

There's  nothing  by  necessity  ordain'd 
Which  can  to  man  be  shameful:  but  for  thee 
^Tis  sweet  to  recollect  past  toijs  in  safety* 


B. 

1 

M. 

sa 

B. 

6 

M. 

S 

B. 

* 

7 

M. 

€ 

B. 

9 

M. 

fn 

B.       If 


B. 

16 

M. 

8 

B. 

20 

M. 

9 

B. 

n 

M. 

W 

580  .FRAGMENTS. 

B.    23       To  that  adventurous  deed  was  I  impelPd 
II.    u       By  youthful  vigour,  and  a  daring  soul- 


B.    24 
M.    12 


M.   13 


B. 

SO 

M. 

• 

14 

B. 

32 

M. 

in 

B« 

38 

M. 

ir 

B. 

40 

M. 

18 

They  who  by  love  are  caught,  and  fix  their  love 
On  virtuous  objects ;  to  complete  th^ir  blisSj, 
Can  need  no  new  acqessiou  of  delight. 


A. 

I  suffer  dreadful  love. 

Of  those  two  words 
Take  that  which  suits  thy  purpose  :  but  such  Love 
Is  void  of  honour,  and  delights  to  fix 
His  residence  in  a  corrupted  soul* 

The  best  of  treasures  is  a  virtuous  Wife. 

To  thee,  O  wretch,  the  Gods  indeed  have  given 
An  abject  fortune  ;   but  thy  words  are  haughty. 

What  most  of  all  I  wish,  is  that  my  hou3e 
May  be  with  gold  well  furnished  :   the  rich  man 
B.   34       Meets  with  respect  ahho'  he  be  a  slave, 
M.  16       While  free-born  spirits  cramp'd  with  poverty 

Lose  all  their  consequence;  much  gold  is  thine. 
And  therefore  think  thyself  a  happy  man. 

Tho'  blest  with  plenteous  fortunes,  as  thou  see$t« 
By  great  calamities  am  J.  afflicted. 

Each  day,  futurity  our  bosom  fills 
With  constant  terror,  for  to  think  of  woes 
That  are  to  come,  is  worse  than  to  endure  them. 

(10) 


(10)  The  essential  diverfitios  of  .veadinjj  in  the  two  next  sentencei, 
as  tliey  stand  in  Barnes,  and  in  Dr.  Muss;ravc,  2d,  and  23,  have  indoced 
me  to  omit  them,  as  in  whatever  sense  they  are  interpreted,  they  will 
not  convey  any  idea  peculiarly  new  or  8trikiu|[ ;  for  the  same  reasons 
*wo  lines  in  the  Antigone,  B.  3.  M.  17.  arc  left  out. 


FRAGMENTS/  J31 

Why  dost  thou  charlisbly  refase  to  speak  i 
A  dark  interpreter  of  .what  thou  meanest 
Is  silence^  and  I  cannot  understand  thee. 

He  was  a  happy  many  but  Jove  hath  veil'd 
His  former  splcjiHor;  in  the  wane  of  life 
Now  are  his  fortunes  seatter'd  by  the  wind. 

Come,  let  as  weep  together;  for  the  unhappy 
Find  social  tears  their  poignant  griefs  assuage* 

I  ne'er  insulted  the  calamities 

Of  those  who  were  unfortunate,  because 

I  fear'd  that  I  myself  might  also  suffer. 

Justice  they  call  Jove's  Daughter,  and  assert 
That  close  to  impious  mortals  Vengeance  dwells. 

ISome  semblance  of  that  beauteous  virgin,  form'd  ^«hi^^ 

Of  polish'd  stQoe  wrought  by  a  skilful  hand.  ^64 


ee 


ANTIGONE, 

t 

At  fir^t  was  Oedipus  a  happy  man ; 
But  in  the  sequel  he,  alas  !  became 
Of  all  mankind  most  wretched. 


B. 

46 

M. 

25 

• 

B. 

4r 

M. 

19 

B. 

51 

M. 

22 

B. 

5?! 

M. 

21 

M.      26 


B.        1 

M.        1 


Persuasion  hath  no  shrine  but  Eloquence,  B;  ^ 

Her  only  altar  is  the  soul  of  Man.  '  Bf^  s 

Among  th'  inhabitants  a  civil  war  B.  V 

Breaks  forth,  when  jarring  factions  rend  the  state^  M.  4 

To  please  the  multitude  it  much  behoves  B.  9 

A  Monarch.  M.  3 

When  Kings  for  their  associates  take  the  men  b.  ^^ 

Henown'd  for  wisdom^  they  themselves  grow  wise.  M.  inc.  44 


B.       18 
M.        7 


SSe  FRAGIilENTaL 

Away  with  em^he,  fitnd  oppreiiive  kWs ; 
*•      ^^     None  but  tbe  fool  cao  widi  for  regal  power, 
^*      *     That  he  maj  proudly  lord  it  o'er  his  equals. 

"^ra'nst  the  boW  efforts  of  an  amorous  youth 
All  guards  are' insufficient;  tho' expert* 

^      ^^     In  nought  beside,  each  lover  grows  discreet. 

**•      ^     But  Venus,  when  a  temperate  flame  she  kindlejs 
In  human  bosoms,  is  a  welcome  guest. 

I  was  in  love,  and  love  makes  all  men  frantic. 

Bound  in  the  nuptial  yoke,  a  man  ba^  lost 
It.      19     His  freedom,  yet  obtains  this  one  advantage  ; 
v.       8     Th'  affinity  which  with  a  virtuous  house 

He  hath  contracted,  makes  him  fear  to  sin. 

A  Bastard's  odious  in  mere  name  alone, 
To  sons  legitimate  by  nature  equal. 

\ 
Many  by  their  degenerate  lives  confute 

The  notion  that  each  child  is  like  his  Sire. 

His  folly's  a  disease  he  from  his  Father 
Inherits,  for  the  wicked  thus  are  wont 
To  be  the  authors  of  a  wicked  race. 

A  friend,  possessing  wealth,  but  void  of  wisdom. 
Is  useless,  if  he  want  a  virtuous  soul. 

To  th*  utmost  pitch  of  misery  are  we  come. 

Grieve  not  thyself;  for  well  thou  know'st  that  oft 
Affliction  in  the  end  produces  joy. 
And  evil  is  the  cause  of  future  good. 

But  he  whom  reason  teaches  how  to  bear 
All  fortune  can  inffict,  is  less  unhappy. 

Mortal  ihou  art,  and  must  expect  to  suffer 
U,  Inc.  70  '^^  '°^  ^^  mortals :  canst  thou  hope  to  lead 
The  life  of  Jove,  who  art  but  a  mere  man  i 


B. 

S3 

M. 

9 

B. 

«3 

H. 

10 

B. 

25 

M. 

11 

B. 

27 

U. 

12 

B. 

29 

M. 

13 

B. 

30 

V. 

14 

« 

B. 

33 

N. 

15 

B.       37 


FRAGMENTS.  SS! 

Death  puts  an  end  to  all  the  little  strife 

Of  mortals^    For  \?hat  arbiter  on  earth 

Is  more  decisive  ?  who  can  make  the  tomb  B«     si 

Feel  pain,  altho*  he  smite  it  with  his  spear^  **•     ^ 

Or  who  by  bitter  taunts  molest  the  dead. 

If  they  are  left  devoid  of  all  sensation  ? 

Honour  forbids  us  to  insult  the  slain.  P«  165 


ANTIOPE. 


Addidit,  at  Satyri  eelaliiB  iina§^e^  puldunai' 
Jupiter- iinplevitgQiBUiQNyeteidafotii.  Otid. 


ZETHUS. 

What  (11)  most  deserves  your  care,  you,  O  Amphion  , 
Neglect.    Can  you  be  mean  enough  to  change  B.       3 

That  elevated  soul  which  nature^gave  M*     ^ 

Into  th'  enervate  semblance  of  a  woman? 

AMPHiaN. 

£ach  hath  his  shining  qualities,  and  wears 

The  live-long  day  intent  on  that  pursuit 

Per  which  he  best  is  qualified.     No  right  B.      «8 

Hast  thou  to  censure  this  my  frame  as  weak'  M.     34 

And  womanish,  for  if  I  am  endued 

With  wisdom,  that  exceeds  the  nervous  arm. 

• 

A  city,  or  an  house,  by  human  prudence 
Are  governed  well,  and  in  th'  embattled  field  g^      ^^ 

Great  is  the  strength  of  wisdom  ;  for  one  counsel  m.     u 

Plann'd  with  discretion  baffles  many  swords; 

(11)  The  reader  who  turns  to  Valkenaer,  Diatribe  ia  perditonim  £a« 
ripidis  dramatum  reliquias,  4to.  Lug.  Bat.  1767,  p*  74,  will  there  find 
that  I  am  indebted  to  him  for  the  begimiing  of  this  passage ;  and  have 
followed  him  in  the  arraagement  of  this  and  the  twelve  nest  sentences. 


M.      r 


B.       58 


334  FRAGMENTS- 

But  folly  tho*  supported  by  an  host 

Of  countless  warriors,  only  proves  their  ban^* 

iBut  they  who  only  live  to  pamper  up 
B.      54     Their  flesh,  when  their  possessions  they  have  wastecf, 
Become  bad  citizens  ;  for  still  unchang'd 
Doth  their  voracious  appetite  remain. 

Ahho'  a  man  should  prosper  and  grow  rich. 
Unless  he  with  domestic  bliss  be  crown'd, 
]^I.       3     To  him  t  cannot  give  the  name  of  happy, 
Tho' justly  might  I  say,  that  with  success 
Abundant  treasures  he  for  others  guards* 

Such  is  the  life  of  man,  nor  wholly  blest, 
Nor  wholly  wretched ;  on  her  votaries  Fortune 
Now  smiles,  then  frowns.    Since  oitf  prosperi^ 
Is  thus  unstable,  is  not  e^n  exi^OEiption. 
From  grief,  the  greatest  pleasure  life  can  yield  f 

What  wisdom  dictates  would  I  sing  and  speak^ 
Nor  in  the  city  dire  confusions  raise. 

He  who  without  necessity  embarks 
In  many  matters,  is  a  fool  for  slighting 
The  obvious  blessings  of  a  tranquil  life. 

CHORUS. 
B.       1      The  skilful  orator  can  either  side  ^ 

M.     28     Maintain  on  every  topic  of  debate. 

ZETHUS. 

B.     26      But  how  can  this  be  wisdom,  when  art  warps 
M.     36      The  generous  soul,  and  renders  man  corrupt  ? 

Whoever,  in  a  prosperous  statioti  plac*d. 
Is  slothful  and  regardless  of  his  household, 
B;      16     Intent  on  nought  except  bewitching  song, 
M.     29      Will  by  his  family,  his  friends,  his  country. 
Be  held  in  no  esteem  :  for  the  best  gifts 
Of  nature  ineffectual  prove,  when  pleasure. 
Degrading  pleasure,  occupies  the  soul. 


B. 

104 

M. 

25 

B. 

49 

M. 

6 

B. 

79 

M. 

39 

5 


10 
M.       33 


B.       «8 


FKAGMENTS.  33S 

^ou  in  the  public  judgement-deat  will  utt^r 
No  sage  decision^  no  persuasive  word9>    .  B 

Brandish  no  ahield>  command  no. armyj  scale  M.     42 

No  hostile  rstmparts,  nor,  while  yet  a  youth, 

Broach  counsels  wholesome  to  the  public  weal. 

i  '  > 

Listen  to  me^  discarci  these  useless  strains^ 

Practise  the  harmony  of  glorious  deeds. 

Let  such  exalted  themes  inspire  the  song. 

And  men  will  deem  you  wise  ;  dig,  till  the  ground,         ^ 

Manage  your  flock  with  care,  and  leave  to  others 

Those  ornamental  trifles  whose  pursuit 

Would  cause  you  in  an  empty  house  to  dwell. 

I  understand  what  I  endure,  and  this 
Is  no  small  evil;  for  to  the  diseased 
There  is  a  kind  of  pleasure  in  not  knowing 
Their  malady  ;  such  ignorance  is  gain 
To  those  who  labour  under  grievous  woes. 

Tho'  Justice,  ere  she  come,  be  late, 
Conceal'd  by  the  behests  of  fate. 
She  menaces  each  villain's  head 

For  whom  th'  inevitable  snare  is  spread. 

•   <  < 

Justice  they  call  Time's  Daughter ;  to  the  world. 
Because  at  length  the  wicked  she  displays. 

Of  all  the  human  race,  none  eyer  led 

A  life  exempt  from  sorrow,  none  remained 

Blest  with  auspicious  fortunes  to  the  last. 

These  virtues  must  you  practise,  O  my  Son, 
Honour  the  Gods,  your  Parents,  apd  the  Laws 
Stablish'd  in  Oreece;  act  thus,  and  you.shall  gain  ,^ 
A  wreath  of  fame  that  never  will  decay. 

(12)  The  two  lines,  wliich  follow  these  in  Barnes,  are  also  retainecVby 
Carmelli  and  by-  Dr.  Musgraye :  but  I  strike  tUem  out  on  account  of 
their  occuning  in  the  Aodvoinadie,  ^1,  4SS.  ed.  Barnes. 


B. 

81 

M. 

S 

B. 

35 

1         1 

S 

B. 

99 

M. 

39 

B. 

41 

M. 

4 

B. 

et 

M. 

40 

B. 

£5 

M. 

9 

B. 

68 

M. 

10 

SeS  FRAGMENTS. 

Tis  unbecoming  not  to  shed  a  tear 

Over  the  wretched ;  he  too  is  devoid 

Of  virtue,  who  abounds  in  weakh,  yet  acmples 

Thro'  sordid  avarice  to  relieve  their  wantt. 

Full  many  men  are  subject  to  this  fault. 

They  understand  what's  right,  but  will  not  act 

As  conscience  dictates,  by  their  friends  o'erpoweiiM 

Th'  accomplishment  of  silence  is  a  crown 
To  the  good  man ;  but  there  can  oo  delight 
Result  from  a  loquacious  tongue,  that  bane 
Of  social  life,  and  useless  to  the  state. 

Let  not  the  tranquil  man,  the  faithful  friend^ 
And  virtuotw  citizen,  rush  wantonly 
Into  the  midst  of  dangers,  for  I  blame 
Pilot  or  statesman  who  is  too  adventurous. 

Perceive  you  not  how  great  a  curse  attends 
On  Servitude  f 

A  Slave  no  liberal  studies  must  pursue, 
Nor  taste  th'  indulgence  of  luxurious  sloifa. 

Alas,  how  universally  hath  Jove 

To  advert  fortune  doom'd  the  menial  train ! 

But  all  things  satiate ;  oft  have  I  beheld 
The  faithless  Husband  quit  his  beauteous  Wife, 
Lur'd  by  some  vile  amour :  thus  pall'd  with  dainties 
The  appetite  regales  on  coarser  food. 

The  wise  should  form  a  suitable  alliance. 

To  all  mankind  this  counsel  would  I  give. 
Select  a  Damsel  sprung  from  virtuous  Sires, 
To  be  the  Mother  of  your  future  Sons, 
So  shall  they  not  prove  absolutely  worthless. 

If  sne  have  sense,  'tis  well :  but  else  what  matters 
Her  lovely  face  with  a  corropted  so«iI  i 


B. 

ri 

M. 

11 

B. 

ftl 

M. 

15 

B. 

82 

M. 

14 

B. 

84 

M. 

16 

B. 

86 

M. 

27 

B. 

90 

M. 

17 

B. 

91 

M. 

18 

B. 

94 

M; 

19 

FRAGMENTS.  997 

I  have  not  learitt/  O  womso,  how  to  act 
The  part  of  a  philosopher :  yet  g«iiir<l 
Thy  soul  from  wild  excess  and  baleful  envy. 

Alas^  alas  !  how  many  evil  fortunes 

Visit  in  various  forms  the  human  race ; 

But  no  man  can  pronounce  when  they  wilt  end. 

O  Strangers,  many  are  the  woes  of  man. 

This  saying  of  the  multitude  is  founded 

On  truth ;  fiome  most  be  wretched^  others  happy; 

To  man  would  a  dead  calm  be  most  unwelcome.    . 

Nor  deem  t,  like  a  miscreant^  that  by  stealthy 
The  semblance  of  some  human  paramour 
As3uming^  Jove  approach'd  thy  genial  bed*. 

Wherever  came  the  Bull^  he  whirled  around, 
And  with  the  woman  bore  away,  the  rock. 
The  oak,  apd  ever  changed  his  wild  career. 

But  in  (IS)  the  herdsman's  chambers^  cover'd  o'er 
With  a  thick  shade  of  flaunting  ivy,  stood 
A  column  sacred  to  the  God  of  Wine. 

Him  Zethus  call'd  :  because  his  Mother  sought  '   _ 

Where  she  her  Children  might  securely  place. 


B. 

96 

M. 

20 

B. 

9a 

M. 

n 

B. 

100 

M. 

22 

B. 
M. 

101 

23 

B. 

105 

M. 

41 

B.  Adden- 
da, p.519 
M.   30 

B. 

ib. 

M. 

31 

B. 

ib. 

M. 

32 

t 


(14)  ARCHELAUS. 

iEoTrTU9|  as  Fame's  loudest  voice  relates  Adde»- 

Lanch'd  his  adventurous  bark,  and  on  the  cp^t  dayp.5i9 

Of  Argos  landed  with  his  fifty  Sons.  • 

<18)  For  tbe  Msding  of  /bm^w,  tettad  of  /Bnw^af  it«lwdiMi  Bams 
andMnsgraye,  I  am  indebted  to  a  noteintheRey-lfr.T^ap^aiadltMii 
af  Longiiii^  p.' 224. 

(14)  AochaiBas  Ibe  Staaf  TfeMnoi,  a  deweodaat  of  Hercales,  #f 
vvbom  the  reader  wiU  find  an  aecouit  ia  Ihe  CIM  FaUs  of  Hy^mM,  fit 

T0I«.  III.  Z 


ssb  fragments. 

Danau6  the  Sire  of  fifty  Daughters^  leaving 
Those  fruitful  regions  watered  by  the^Nile, 
Which  from  the  swarthy  ^tbiops'  land  its  streaios 
g        ^      Replenishes,  oft  as  Hyperion  melts 
M.       2     Thick  flakes  of  snow  congeal'd,  when  thro'  the  air 
He  guides  his  fervid  chariot,  came  to  Argos, 
.Dwelt  (15)  in  th'  Inachiau  city,  and  thro'  Greece 
Ordnin'd  that  those  who  erst  were  call*d  Pelasgi, 
Should  by  the  name  of  Danai  be  distinguish'd. 

g        9     '^'   ^^^>  ^  '"y  ^^">  *^^  Gods  deceive  mankind, 
^^     31      B.   To  bold  the  impious  language  thou  hast  d(Hie> 
And  charge  th'  immortal  powers  with  guilty  is  easy* 

J.  Poor  as  I  am,  no  gifts  I  to  the  rich 

M.Iiicerta,  Will  send,  lest  tliou  should'st  deem  that  I  am  frantic^ 
^^         Or  by  such  presents  only  ask  for  more, 

'Tis  with  the  strictest  justice,  that  eacli  dee4^ 
Of  foul  injustice  proves  its  author's  bane. 

I  give  thee  this  one  counsel,  never  live 

To  be  a  slave,  when  thou  canst  die  with  freedom. 

He  who  in  pleasure  or  unmanly  sloth 
Consumes  his  life,  is  qualified  to  rule 
Neither  a  private  household  nor  the  state.   , 

Unseemly  deeds  from  baleful  anger  spring. 

An  enterprising  spirit  well  becomes 

The  vigorous  youth :  for  never  did  the  sluggard 

Acquire  renown,  the  prize  of  stubborn  toil. 

• 

In  one  word,  speak  not :  for  when  eloquence 
Becomes  the  source  of  mischief,   it  is  dreadful. 

supposed  by  Dr.  Mosgrave  to  be  the  subject  of  this  Tragedy,  and  opt 
Arcfaelauskhigof  Macedon,  the  coatenip<N%ry  and  friend  of  EoripideSy 
as  Barnes  conjectnies. 

(15)  MCMT*,  <<  habitavit,'  not  **  condidit,''  as  rendered  by  Bamet  and 
Dr.  Musgnve;  for  Danaos  was  more  than  two  centanKS  posteiipr  to 
Iqaehns,  flie  fomider  and  first  king  of  Argoa. 


B. 

13 

M. 

32 

B. 

15 

M. 

4 

B. 

17 

M. 

5 

B. 

19 

M. 

6 

B. 

20 

M. 

7 

B. 

23 

M. 

8 

FRAGMENTS. 

A  Monarch's'bliss  might  emulate  the  Gods^ 
Were  he  not  subject  to  the  stroke  of  death. 

Tis  better  to  be  leader  of  a  small 

Yet  valiant  band,  than  of  unnumber'd  troops: 

For  the  brave  few  prevail  o'er  many  dastards. 

Ennobled  with  transcendent  lustre^  shines 
The  Chief  who  triumphs  in  th'  embattled  field. 

Ought  not  I  to  labour  ? 
Exempt  from  toil  who  purchases  renown  ? 
What  coward  e'er  accomplished  mighty  deeds  ? 

At  the  same  time  young,  poor,  and  wise :  the  union 
Of  all  these  qualities  demands  respect. 

Nor  slave,  nor  one  born  free,   if  his  attainments 
By  far  surpass  our  own,  is  it  secure 
For  a  wise  man  to  nurture  in  his  house. 

I  sav'd  her  life  because  she  was  reduced 
To  servitude:  amidst  the  human  race 
The  weak  are  ever  subject  to  the  strong. 

Their  Sire's  behests  the  Children  must  obey. 

A.  Bift  of  my  aid  what  need  hast  thou  ? 

B.  [  form 
Great  hopes  because  you  spring  from  noble  Sires. 

Him  could  not  chilling  poverty  bereave 
Of  his  great  Father's  elevated  soul. 

The  virtues  of  the  parents,  by  their  Children 
Inherited^  exceed  the  richest  dower. 

But  how  can  he  be  otherwise  than  honesty 
While  thus  surrounded  with  abundant  wealth  7 

Enrich  him  not :  for  long  as  he  is  poor 
Will  be  be  lonely.    But  the  power  of  gold 
Is  greats  and  he  who  hath  it  is  ennobled* 

2« 


339 


3. 

25 

M. 

9 

B. 

•  .97 

M.  10.&  13 

B. 

50 

M. 

11 

B. 

52 

M. 

12 

B. 

54 

AL 

1 

14 

B. 

56 

M. 

15 

B. 

38 

M. 

,16  . 

B. 

40 

M. 

17 

B. 

41 

M. 

18 

B. 

43 

M. 

19 

B. 

45 

M. 

20 

B. 

47 

M. 

21 

B. 

49 

M. 

52 

MO  FRAGMENTS. 

Much  wealth  is  thine:  but  foUj  on  much  wealth 
Attends,  with  fear  in  closest  nnioo  j<Mn'cl. 

We  cannot  stem  the  tide :  for  poverty. 
That  worst  of  ilb,  in  our  forlorn  abode 
Still  flourishes,  and  wealth  thence  takes  its  flight. 

To  (iCi)  Poverty,  that  most  ignoble  Goddess, 
No  temple  is  erected.    I  abhor 
Those  who  with  wisdom  are  endued,  but  n^ 
Their  wisdom  only  to  improve  iheir  wealth. 

From  robbers  be  secur'd  the  public  road. 

Long  have  I  mark'd  bow  greatly  change  the  fortunes 
Of  man  ;  for  he  who  grovell'd  in  the  dust. 
Stands  upright ;  he  who  erst  was  happy «  falls. 

There  is  a  pensive  pleasure  e-en  in  tears. 
When  pitying  we  lament  our  friend's  affliction»k^ 

No  man  (17)  who  lives  encircled  with  delights. 
E'er  gaui'd  renown,  the  prize  of  stubborn  toil. 


B. 

52 

M. 

S3 

B. 

54 

Bf. 

24 

B. 

57 

M. 

S5 

B. 

€0 

M. 

S8 

B. 

61 

M. 

26 

B, 

64 

M. 

27 

B. 

69 

M. 

30 

B.         2 


A  U  G  K 


AUQE  TO  MINERVA. 

Thou  wiih  deliglat  behold'st  the  bloody  spoils 
Torn  from  the  slain,  and  heaps  of  weltering  corses, 
^^      ^      All  this  to  thee  it  seems  is  no  pollution ; 

Yet  thou  esteem'st  it  a  most  dreadful  crime 
If  1  liave  borne  a  So  A. 

(16)  The  Goddess  Poverty  takes  a  very  considerable  part'intlie 
comedy  of  Flatus  in  ArisCOplianes,  wHere  the  respect-  dne  to  fter'astiie 
inventress  of  the  ails  is  strongly  insisted  on:  and^Arrian  mendops  her 
being  adored  on  that  accoaqf  by  the  Gadareans. — Dr.  Mnsgrave  thiaki 
that  two  detachecT  sentences  are  here  blended  together. 

(17)  The  two  lines,  which  immediately  precede  these  in  Barnes  pre- 
cede them  likewise  in  Slobeoi,  botate  tfaei^  ditffached  from  them  as  tfie 
production  of  an  unknown^  writers*  flie  two  which  £alloiw  ili  Banies  occ«f 
again  in  the  PhiloctclM>  «•  99^24|  9f  hia  editioil,,  wMerei  th^  seem  moit 
connected. 


FRAGMENTS.  341 

My  senses  are  disorder'd  by  the  fumes 

Of  wine  :  yet  will  I  own  that  I  have  wrong'd  thee^ 

Tho'  this  be  an  involuntary  wrong. 

By  Mildness  are  calamities  assoagM. 

Not  to  the  malefactor  doth  our  pity 
Belong,  but  lo  the  violated  laws. 

Perish  all  they  who  love  to  dwell  in  cities 
Subject  to  Kings,  or  to  the  mighty  few. 
For  Freedom's  an  invaluable  name. 
And  he  who  hath  but  little,  here  is  rich. 

He  who  esteema  not  Love  a  mighty  God, 
And  to  all  other  Deities  superior. 
Devoid  of  reason,  or  to  beauty  blind. 
Knows  not  the  ruler  of  this  nether  world. 

Frail  women  as  we  are,  too  oft  our  fears 
Subdue  us,  but  at  other  thnes  our  oonrage 
By  none  can  be  exceeded. 

Who  is  not  pleas'd  with  children's  harmless  sports  ? 

'Tis  all  men's  lot,  not  ours  alone,  for  Jove 
Or  in  an  instant  or  by  slow  degrees 
T'  overturn  the  fortunes  of  a  prosperous  life, 
And  to  the  last  none  e'er  continued  happy. 


B. 

« 

M. 

8 

B. 

8 

M. 

1 

B. 

9 

M. 

t 

B. 

to 

M. 

r 

B. 

14 

M. 

5 

B. 

18 

M. 

4 

B. 

20 

M 

5 

B. 

n 

M. 

§ 

AUTOLYCUS. 

Of  those  unnumber'd  mischiefs  which  prevail 

Thro*  Greece,  there's  none  more  grievous  than  the  race 

Of  public  Champions ;  for  they  ne'er  were  taught, 

Nor  knew  they  how  to  lead  a  viilttous  life. 

How  can  the  slave  of  a  luxurious  palate,  '  B.       i 

The  man  whom  his  pwn  gluttony  subdues,  .      .     .  ^'      ^ 

Improve  tiie  weakh  transmitted  by  his  Sire  i 

The/ are  not  able  to  stipport  K  siati^ 


S«  FRAGMENTS, 

Of  indigence,  or  rise  above  the  load 

Of  adverse  fortune,  for  in  virtuous  manners 

They  ne*er  were  train'd,  and  with  impatience  bear^ 

Calamity.    In  manhood's  early  bloom. 

With  graceful  mien  their  city  they  adorn. 

But  when  by  loath'd  old  age  they  are  invaded. 

Perish  like  tattered  rags.     I  also  blame 

This  custom  of  the  Greeks,  who  meet  in  crowds 

Lur'd  by  the  feast,  such  conflicts  to  behold. 

For  who  that  wrestled  well,  or  with  swift  foot 

All  his  competitx>rs  outstripped,  rais'd  high 

The  ponderous  quoit,  or  with  a  cestus  smote 

The  jaws  of  his  antagonist,  e'er  serv'd 

His  country  by  the  wreaths  his  prowess  gain'd  ? 

Shall  they  the  foe  encounter,  in  their  h^nd^ 

Wielding  the  discus,  or  with  agile  leap 

Repell  th'  invaders  of  their  native  land. 

By  vaulting  o'er  their  shields?  when  in  the  ranks 

Of  battle  he  is  station'd,  no  man  holds 

Such  foolish  language :  therefore  should  the  wise. 

The  good,  be  deck'd  with  garlands,  he  who  rules 

A  city  best,  the  temperate  and  the  just;, 

C^r  he  who  by  the  magic  of  his  tongue 

Averts  dire  mischief,  causing  to  subside 

The  baleful  tumult  and  consuming  war: 

For  virtues  such  as  these,  are  real  blessings. 

Not  to  their  country  only,  but  all  Greece. 

B.      S9     Asses  who  (18)  carry  cinders  were  employM 
M.      1      In  bearing  timber  from  the  lofty  hill. 


B.       31 
M.        2 


Bridles  of  Bulrush  he  for  horses  tw^ines* 

(18)  This  piece  is  by  the  commentators  called  Sarytic,  and  comet 
qnejitiy  may  be  snpposed,  tike  the  Cyclops  of  our  Author,,  which  is  tnu»- 
mitted  to  us  entire,  to  contain  a  large  mixture  of  comic  vfiU  Barnes 
and  Dr.  Musgrave  suppose  that  the  Autolycus,  from  whom  it  derives  its 
name,  was  the  Son  of  Mercuiy,  and  Father  to  Antidea  Ulysses*  Mother, 
recorded  by  Homer  for  his  great  soperiority  to  the  rest  of  mankiiid 
gkaflonnif  3*,  ^poD  ti  :  4>nt  from  what  is  transmitted  to  ns  of  this  piece,  it 


FRAGMENTS.  349 


B. 

1 

M.Incertai 

94 

B. 

4 

M, 

$ 

M.      S5 


BELLEROPHON. 

* 

I  FROM  Steep  Corinth's  sacred,  rock  am  come, 
'Gainst  whose  firm  base  two  dashiag  seas  resound, 
A  city  where  the  Cyprian  Goddess  reigns. 

Ah  me !  but  wherefore  should  I  thus  complain  f 
I  suffer  but  the  common  lot  of  mortals* 

Doth  (19)  any  man  assert  that  there  are  Gods 

In  I^eaven?  I  answer  there  are  none :  let  him 

Who  contradicts  nie^  like  a  fool,  no  longer 

Quote  antient  fables ;  but  observe  the  fact. 

Nor  to  my  words  give  credence.     Kings,  I  say. 

Kill  many,  but  rob  more  of  their  possessions. 

And  violating  every  sacred  oath. 

Lay  waste  whole  cities;,  yet,   tho'  they  act  thu8|  B.       a 

Are  more  successful  far  than  they  who  lead 

In  constant  piety  a  tranquil  life. 

And  I  have  known  small  cities,  who  revere 

The  Gods,  made  subject  to  unrighteous  power, 

Vanquish'd  by  spears  more  numerous.     But  I  deem 

Should  any  sluggard  'mpng  you  pray  to  Heaven^ 

rather  seems  as  if  the  otber  Antolycns  (mentioned  by  Banies  In  his  ar. 
gument)  was  its  hero^  as  the  principal  drift  of  it  is  a  o^nsdre  on  the  cham- 
pions at  the  pubUc  games,  in  which  character  he  is  spok^  of  both  bj 
Pansanias  and  Plutarch. 

(19)  We  may  consider  this  Atheistical  langua^^  as  not  iff  suited  to  the 
character  of  Belleropbon,  ficcording  to  Homer^  deseription  of  him^  at 
the  time  of  his  wapderiog  over  the  Aleien  fields,  detested  by  all  Ch^ 
Grods,  and  in  a  state  of  such  profound  meUincholy  that  he  preyed  on  his 
own  heart,  his  Son  Isander  being  shun  by  Mars,  and  his  Daughter  Lao- 
damea  by  the  avenging  shafts  of  Diana.  See  Iliad,  L.  6,  v.  200— SO(r 
The  two  lines  which  follow  this  passage  in  Barnes,  stand  in  Dr.  Mus- 
^ve  among  Incert.  Tiag.  90,  but  are  omitted  on  Mr.  Heath's  authority^ 
with  whirJi  the  Translator  entirely  accords  in  thinking  them  wnintftlligibte; 
»nd  has  followed  Dr.  Musgrave  in  attempting  no  versipu  of  th^  line  B.  40» 
M.  n. 


<44  FfiAGM£NTS. 

Nor  earn  by  his  own  labour  a, subsistence, 

He  soon  would  learn  whether  the  Gods  are  able 

To  shield  him  from  calamitcnis  events. 

Thro'  thy  whole  life  thou  to  the  Gods  wert  pious^ 
With  hospitality  didst  treat  the  stranger. 
And  with  unwearied  zeal  assist  thy  friends. 

Permit  me,  O  ye  leafy  shades,  to  pass 
The  forest  water'd  by  refreshing  springs. 
I  wish  to  see  how  clear  a  light  adorns 
The  canopy  of  Ether  o'er  my  bead. 

Trembling  he  crouch'd  still  lower  than  he  wish'd. ' 

The  prosperous  fortunes,  and  the  haughty  wealth 

Of  an  unrighteous  man,  we  never  ought 

To  deem  establish'd  on  a  solid  base, 

Or  that  the  children  of  th'  unjust  can  prosper : 

For  Time,  who  frota  no  Father  springs,  applies 

His  levell'd  ime,  and  shews  man's  foul  misdeeds. 

B.      41      But  courage  can  with  wondrous  might  bear  up 
M.      7      Against  the  pressure  of  overwhelming  fate. 

B.      42     Dark  stratagems,  and  treachery,   to  relieve 
M.      8     The  coward's  wants,  were  by  mankind  dcvis'd. 

How  deep  is  evil  rooted  in  the  breasts 
Of  all  men  !  tho'  our  pardon  we  extend  not 
To  him,  who,  grasping  at  some  great  rewards 
^       g     Become)  a  sinner  :  yet  since,  in  proportiop 
As  he  grows  boldly  profligate^  he  reaps 
Greater  advantages,  hfe  with  more  ease 
The  world!s  reproachful  language  may  sustain* 


B. 

26 

M. 

28 

B. 

28 

M. 

1 

B. 

52 

M. 

26 

B. 

53 

M. 

6 

B.       49 

»f»     io 


They  overflow  with  envy,  from  a  sense 
Of  their  demerit;  on  tthe  noblest  objects 
Is  Envy  wont  to  wreak  her  ruthless  hate. 


FRAGMENm  »  345 

By  far  less  ditogerous  I  esteem  the  fed 

Endued  with  strength  of  body^  tbfm  tbefliaa 

Who's  feeble  apd  yet  wise ;  his  arts  «tebieve  '    11.5153 

Greater  exploils  tiitia  they  whose  D^nrous  arm  M.  11,  is 

Fights  bloody  battles^     An  Ul-omen'd  road 

Is  that  .of  truth;  but  Mars  delights  in  falshood. 

B  56,  sad 

Many  ^hom  wealth  and  noble  birth  distingutsh,  sthenobaBs 

A  foolish  woman  hath  disgrac'd  at  home.  /  ]lLsthen.r 

O  thou  most  vile,  the  term  I  add,  is  Woman ; 

For  with  what  obloquy,  by  slanderous  totigues,  m'^     ^^ 

£xceedingthis  one  name,  canst  thou  be  branded  ? 

The  pliant  bulrush  can  inflict  no  wound; 

Nor  will  the  Sons  whose  Mother  hath  prov'd  worthleai,  ^     ^ 

Display  their  courage  in  th^  epibattled  field. 

If  any  gain  ensue,  I  am  content. 

To  be  term'd  wicked.     We  all  ask  tills  question, 

Whether  a  man  be  rich,  not  wliether  viitaous. 

But  as  for  thy  pretensions  to  thy  wealth. 

And  by  what  meftns  thou  gain'ft  it,  this  is  foreign  ^*     ^ 

To  the  one  great  eaqwry,  -^^  ith«t  thou  hast?'  BipkLtu 

Ask  you,  what  gains  ate^basej  I  answer,  none. 

My  utmost  wishes  are  to  lead  a  life 

Of  opulence,  or  die  when  t  gi-oir  poor ; 

For  he  dies  nobly  -wi^o  gains  aciglit  by  dyi^. 

*  ■ 

(20)  O  Gold,  thou  first  of  blessit^s  to  m^ankiml.;. 

No  tender  Mother  such  enjoyment  feels,  .    ^*     ^ 

fiov  can  their  Children  or  their  dearest  Sire,  **•     ^* 


<20)  Mr.  Comberiuid,  in  his  ObMrfer,  V.  4,  p*  159,  P<^^  mtHmMr 
lowing  puaage  from  Ben  Jonson's  Fox,  as  almost  a  trantlatioB  of  tbs 
above ;  Volpone  aa^  to.  bis  gold ; 

^  Thou  being  the  best  of  things,  and  &r  tfm^^tm^iag 

*'  All  stile  of  joy  in  children,  parente,  friends, 

^  Thy  looks  when  they  to  Veuos  £d  ascribe^ 

^  They  shonld  hme  given  1^  tw^ty  tbinmod  Gnpid»^ 

^  Such  are  thy  besotiep  ml  iNir  loita/' 


\ 


% 


r        FRAGMENTS. 

Afford  such  heart^felt  bliss  as  thou  aflbrd'st 
To  thy  possessors :  if  the  sparkling  eyes 
Of  Venus  dart  an  influence  as  benign. 
No  wonder  she  creates  unnumbered  Loves. 

I  loo  adopt,  that  theme  of  every  Bard  ; 
''  Better  for  man  had  he  been  never  born/* 
But  of  three  stations,  Wealth,  illustrious  Birth, 
Or  Poverty,  which  ought  to  be  preferred  i 
Unable  to  decide,  I  state  them  all. 
He  who,  tho'  rich,  descends  from  abject  Sires 
Is  gpriev'd,  yet  finds  for  grief  a  sovereign  balsam 
When  bis  hand  opens  the  beloved  chest 
Which  holds  his  treasures  :  but  the  man  who  loses 
That  opulence  he  formerly  possessed. 
Sinks  under  loads  of  grief  too  great  to  bear : 
While  he  of  noble  ancestry,  who  lacks 
A  competency  altho'  he  in  his  birth 
^     76     Be  fortunate,  yet  tb  the  earth  bow'd  down 
**•     ^*     At  the  same  time  with  poverty  and  sorrow, 
Beguil'd  by  a  mistaken  shame,  refuses 
To  earn  bis  sustenance  by  honest  labour. 
But  he  who  is  in  all  respects  a  man 
Of  no  account,  from  having  never  gain'd 
The  smiles  of  fortune,  hatfa  this  one  advantage ; 
He  knows  not  what  it  is  to  be  deprived 
Of  any  blessing,  but  hath  always  led 
The  same  distrest  and  miserable  life. 
In  this  respect,  never  fo  have  experieucM 
Felicity,  is  best ;  for  to  our  memorj( 
This  oft  occurs ;  ''  how  was  I  happy  once, 
'**  How  did  I  flourish  midst  the  sons  of  men !" 


Had  but  my  Sire  judg'd  well,  I  should  have  learn'd^ 
^^     ^y     Regardless  of  th*  harmonious  art,  t'  endure 
Severest  labour,  and  been  qualified 
For  each  vicissitude  of  prosperous  fortune,, 
Or  of  adversity :  firsts  (which  to  man 


B,     110 

la 


FRAGMENTS.  m     347 

Yields  great  advant^es)  1  should  have  mov*d 
With  swiftness,  have  been  temperate  in  my  food, 
Assuag'd  my  thirst  with  water  like  the  beasts. 
Withstood  by  exercise  the  winter's  cold 
And  summer's  parching  solstice,  nor  reclin'd 
Beneath  the  shades  of  sloth ;   but  now  I  know  n<tf 
How  to  endure  the  hardships  Fate  imposes. 
Had  I  the  lyre  of  Orpheus,  and  the  song 
Of  every  sister  Muse,  I  could  not  sooth 
This  hungry  stomach,  what  it  craves  is  food. 

As  the  disease  requires,  should  they  who  practise 
The  healing  art,  their  remedies  apply. 
Nor  rest  content  with  whatsoe'er  they  find 
Prescribed  by  antient  usage,  when  such  medicines 
Will  to  the  patient  no  relief  afford. 

The  crimes  of  men  are  some  of  them  spontaneous, 
.  Some  from  the  Gods  derived ;  by  wholesome  laws 
We  remedy  such  mischiefs  :  but  to  thee 
This  I  maintain,  that  if  the  Gods  commit 
Aught  that  is  base,  they  are  no  longer  Gods. 

But  what  is  there  in  man's  precarious  life 
To  be  relied  on  ?  o'er  the  foamy  deep 
Ride^  the  swift  vessel  by  the  wind  impell'd : 
But  as  to  human  fortunes.  Time  reduces 
The  great  to  nothing,  and  augments  the  small. 

A  thousand  unexpected  revolutions 
Hast  thou  beheld  :  some  from  the  waves  escape. 
While  others,  conquer'd  by  the  hostile  spear. 
In  a  fresh  battle  triumph  o'er  their  foes. 

The  hands  indeed  of  younger  men,  in  action 
Are  vigorous,  O  my  Son  ;  but  prudent  counsels 
Flow  from  the  old ;   for  Time's  the  best  instructor. 

The  honours  thou  receiv'st  exalt  thy  views 
Too  high  above  thy  fellows.— -I  would  die : 


B.    lis 

H.     19 


B. 

117 

M.- 

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M. 

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B. 

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B. 

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348      •  FRAGMENTS. 

For  life's  not  worA  rettiDing  when  we  see 
The  wicked  crown'd  with  «id«ervy  appiaosew 

H.   (Erecv  J  jjate  th'  imperious  Ruler  who  neglects 
j^     ^^  By  soothing  arts  to  gain  the  public  love. 

Nor  OMgbt  we  to  be  angry  at  Events ; 
B.    ist     For  they  our  anger  heed  not :  hot  the  man 
M.     24     Who  best  to  each  emergency  adapts 

His  conduct^  will  assuredly  act  right. 


B* 

1 

M, 

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B* 

9 

M. 

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B. 

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M. 

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B. 

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M. 

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BUSIRIS   (21) 

B.       1     No  aervaat  is  permitted  to  divalge 

>f*      1     Truths  (hat  may  hurt  the  interest  of  hit  Lord. 


GLAUCUS. 

Tis  grievous  to  endure  a  villain's  pride. 

When  daring  miscreants  prosper  in  the  land^ 
Such  instances  of  wickedness  with  power 
Invested,  make  the  virtuous  soul  despair. 

Alas !  how  many  evils  on  the  wane 
Of  life  attend  :  nor  can  the  aged  man 
Cause  Time  to  stay  awhile  his  swift  career. 

For  a  long  life  swarms  with  unnomberM  woes. 

(21)  «  Busiris,  Son  of  Neptiinc  and  Lysianassa  Daughter  of  Epaphnst 
"  was  king  of  /Egypt,  and  used  to  sacrifice  foreigners  at  the  altar  of  Ju- 
^  piter,  tiU  Hercules,  being  dragged  thither  for  that  purpose,  borsthis 
<' chains,  and  slew  the  lyMDt.''    BftRHEs. 


FRAGMENTS.  S«gi 

DICTYS    (22)  I 

He  to  mj  80iil  was  dear,  —-If  I  by  Love 

Am  caught^  O  may  I  never  turn  aside 

To  folly's  path,  or  the  unchaste  delights 

Of  Venus:  for  a  nobler  Love  is  found 

By  Heaven  implanted  in  the  human  breast  B 

Inspiring  justice,  chastity,  and  truth :  jyi^      i 

And  O  that  among  all  mankind,  this  usage 

Were  'stablish'd,  for  the  virtuous  to  indulge 

A  passion  only  for  the  noblest  objects. 

Yet  hid  adieu  to  Venuff  diitd  of  Jove, 

Be  of  good  cheer  :  great  is  tbe  strength  of  Justice. 

Young ;  yet  to  labour  was  his  soul  iaur'd. 

A  disposition  to  talk  much,  betrays 

The  strongest  symptoms  of  o'erbearing  pride. 

Hadst  thou  not  been  most  vicious>  thou  thy  bone^ 
Ne'er  hadst  disdained,  this  vegion  to  applaud. 
He  judges  not  arigJii;  in  my  opinion, 
Scorning  his  country,  who  a  foreign  land 
Extols,  and  in  its  HMnners  takes  delight* 

O  thou  old  man,  contend  not  with,  tby  rulera ; 
For  'tis  a  law  from  anCient<  times  transmitted. 
To  honour  those  who  besrsopreme  command* 


(i9)  "  The  wiodi  baving  borne. tbe  woodea  ehett^  in. which  Danaer 
**  and  her  infimt  son  PerBeus  were  exposed  on  the  sea,  to  the  coast  of 
<<  Seriphos,  one  of  the  Cydades  -,  Dictys,  Brother  to  Polydectes  King  of 
^  that  idand,  took  them  up,  and  treated  th'^m  with  great  humanity : 
«  under  his  protection  they  both  condoned,  till  Persens,  having  attained 
**  jean  of  maturity,  went  against  the  Grorgons,  and  came  back  trium? 
<<  pliant  with  Medusa*s  head :  ait  his  retnm  he  found  bis  Moflmr  and* 
<'  Dictys  driven  for  refuge  to  the  altar  by  Polyde<!tto)  who  watf  on  tbtf 
<*  point  of  ofibring  Tiolence  to  th&  honour  of  Danae ,  upon  wliich  he, 
<<  by  disphying  the  bend  of  Mednsa,  changed  Polydectes  into  a  stone; 
*'  and  made  Dictys  king  of  the  isbuid."    Apollodorcs  and  Barmes. 


B. 

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B. 

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M. 

16 

B. 

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B. 

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B. 

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M. 

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S«  FRAGMENTS, 

Of  indigence,  or  rise  above  the  load 

Of  adverse  fortune,  for  in  virtuous  manners 

They  ne'er  were  train'd,  and  with  impatience  beai' 

Calamity.     In  manhood's  early  bloom^ 

With  graceful  mien  their  city  they  adorn, 

But  when  by  loath'd  old  age  they  are  invaded. 

Perish  like  tattered  rags.     I  also  blame 

This  custom  of  the  Greeks,  who  meet  in  crowds 

Lur'd  by  the  feast,  such  conflicts  to  behold. 

For  who  that  wrestled  well,  or  with  swift  foot 

All  his  competitors  outstripped,  rais'd  high 

The  ponderous  quoit,  or  with  a  cestus  smote 

The  jaws  of  bis  antagonist,  e'er  serv'd 

His  country  by  the  wreaths  his  prowess  gained  ? 

Shall  they  the  foe  encounter,  in  their  h^nd^ 

Wielding  the  discus,  or  with  agile  leap 

Repell  th'  invaders  of  their  native  land. 

By  vaulting  o'er  their  shields?  when  in  the  ranks 

Of  battle  he  is  station'd,  no  man  holds 

Such  foolish  language:  therefore  should  the  wise. 

The  good,  be  deck'd  with  garlands,  he  who  rules 

A  city  best,  the  temperate  and  the  just. 

Or  he  who  by  the  magic  of  his  tongue 

Averts  dire  mischief,  causing  to  subside 

The  baleful  tumult  and  consuming  war: 

For  virtues  such  as  these,  are  real  blessings. 

Not  to  their  country  only,  but  all  Greece. 

B.     «9     Asses  who  (18)  carry  cinders  were  employ*d 
M.      1      In  bearing  timber  from  the  lofty  hill. 


B.       31 
M.        2 


Bridles  of  Bulrush  he  for  horses  tw^ines. 

(18)  This  piece  is  by  the  commentators  called  Sarytic,  and  comet 
qoentiy  may  be  supposed,  iike  the  Cyclops  of  our  Author,  which  is  tnu»- 
mitted  to  us  entire,  to  contain  a  hirge  mixture  of  comic  vfiU  Banie^ 
aud  Dr.  Mus^^ve  suppose  that  the  Autolycus,  from  whom  it  derives  its 
name,  was  the  Son  of  Mercury,  and  Father  to  Anticlea  Ulysses*  Mother, 
recorded  by  Homer  ibr  his  great  soperiofity  to  the  rest  of  maakiiid 
gkalhvfif  3*,  ^potf  71 ;  hut  from  what  is  transmitted  to  as  of  this  piece,  it 


FRAGMENTS^  $5* 


With  tudignalion  oft  have  I  beheld. 
The  virtuous  man's  resemblance  to  the  wicked 
In  the  vain  strife  of  words*    Yet  'twere  a  thing 
Not  to  be  nam'd^  nor  e'er  endur'd^  in  silence 
To  hear  th'  audacious  miscreant's  foul  reproaches, 


B.       4S 

M.      IS 


Why  would'st  tbou  raise  me  up,  when  from  my  soul      .. 
The  memory  of  past  woes  is  scarce  effaced  i 

He  wbo  still  loves  to  prate,  i^  not  aware  ^ 

How  loathsome  to  his  comrades  such  a  guest. 


ERECTHEUS. 

Thou,  O  my  Son,  didst  rightly  in  proposing  *•       ^ 

Such  questions,  and  to  thee  will  I  unfold 

(For  thou  art  grown  discreet,  and  wilt  retain 

After  my  deatb  the  counsels  of  thy  Sire) 

Maxims  of  virtue,  which  to  youthful  minds 

May  prove  salubrious :  much  will  I  comprise 

In  a  few  words ;  first  keep  thy  temper  mild. 

Give  to  the  rich  no  preference,  biit  behave 

To  all  good  men  with  equal  courtesy: 

If  urg'd  at  the  same  tiipe  by  two  affairs. 

Apply  thy  mind  to  one  of  them,  and  leave 

The  other.     No  ill-gotten  wealth  possess. 

If  in  thy  mansions  long  thou  hop'sft-to  dwells 

For  there  is  no  reliance  on  that  gold 

Which  thro*  injustice  enters  pur  abodes :  ^ 

Yet  must  thou  strive  thy  fortunes  to  improve, 

Because  nobility  attends  the  rich. 

And  the  espousals  of  illustrious  dames 

To  them  belong :  but  'tis  the  poor  man's  lot, 

Tho'  wise,  to  lead  a  life  estrang'd  from  fame 

And  from  respect :  make  those  thy  friends,  who  speak 


SM  FRAGMENTS. 

Their  thoughts  withlfreedotn/  and  bar  fast  thy 
'Gainst  those  who  strive  thy  iavoar  to  obtain 
By  al^ect  flattery ;  choose  for  tby  associates 
Thy  seniors^  those  licentious  spirits  loathe^ 
Who  shine  then  only  when  they  raise  loud  borsts 
OF  laughter :  the  delight  which  sinful  pleasure 
AiTords  is  short.    But  never,  O  my  Son» 
When  power  supreme  is  thine,  addict  thyself 
To  scandalous  amours  among  the  vu^r : 
He  whets  the  swofd  against  himself,  he  twraes 
The  deadly  noosCi  who  of  the  virtuous  poor 
Contaminates  the  cbildreik    Nor  advance 
The  wicked  to  high  honours  in  the  city : 
For  they  when  wealth  abounds,  or  they  obtain 
A  post  of  some  authority,  elate 
With  unforeseen  prosperity,  grow  wanton* 
Now  give  thy  Sire  thy  hand,  and  O  farewell. 
But  shame  forbids  me  to  prolong  th*  embrace. 
For  an  unmanly  soul  ill  suits  the  wise. 

There's  no  affection  can  exceed  what  ehildiam 
B.  S5  Feel  for  thm  Mother;  let  this  love,  my'Soaa, 
M.      8     Beep  in  your  tender  bosoms  be  implanted: 

For  no  attacbments  equal  kindred  ties. 

We  rather  ought  to  follow  honest  gain 
B.     38     Than  plunder :  for  our  riches,  if  acquired  ' 
^'      ^     By  lawless  meand,  can  tie'ier' continue  long. 

B»     41     On  a  few  friends  I  rather  would  rely, 

M.      s     Than  lead  a  swarm  of  dastards  to  the  field, 

4 

No  man  who  fights  in  a  dishonest  cause 
B.  44, 4t     Returns  with  safety.    Hence  doth  it  behove 
M.  4, 5       A  prudent  General,  if  the  Gk>ds  assent, 

,To  take  up  arms^  but  not  against  their  wilL 

By  toil,  the  bliss  of  moVtals  is  encreas*d  ; 
B.     50     But  a  luxurious  life,  and  abject  fear. 

Or  to  ourselves  or  friends,  jpo  profit  brings. 


M.         6 


M.      11 
B.       6X 


B. 

62 

M. 

r 

B. 

64 

M. 

1 

FRAGMENTS.  ^53 

Around  my  javelin  let  the  spider  wea'^e 

Her  subtle  threads;  while  I,  grown  old  In  peace,    ' 

Attune  the  song,  and  on  tiiy  hoary  head 

A  verdant  chaplet  bmd,  the  Thracian  shield 

Suspending  o'er  the  columns  which  adorrt        ' 

Minerva's  temple,  and  with  studious  care 

Expound  the  mystic  writinrg^  of  the  wise. 

But  I  assert,  that  they  who  nobly  die 

Are  more  alive  than  he  who  but  exists*  ^    •^*      ^^ 

With  infamy. 

To  the  snfall  skiff  be  a  large  ship  J>refetr'd: 

But  what's  the  worth  of  an  adopted  race  ? 
For  nature's  bounteous  gifts  in  moie  esteem 
Than  their  vaiir  semblances,  we  ought  to  liold. 

.  PRAXITHEA. 

He  who  with  liberal  soul  showers  down  his  gifts^ 
Is  by  mankind  held  dear ;  but  they  whose  bounty, 
Tho'  not  refus'dy  comes  slowly,  are  esteem'd 
By  far  less  generous.     Here  I  stand  resolv'd 
My  dearest  Daughter  to  surrender  up 
To  death  :  by  various  motives  am  Iqrg'd  ; 
For  first  of  all,  no;  city  that  deserves 
To  be  preferred  to  this,  can  I  e'er  find ;        , 
What's  most  essential,  we  who  peo|)]e  it 
Were  not  transplanted  hither,  (^3)  but  the  soil 
On  which  we  tread,  produc'd  us:  other  states 
Chftnge  like  the  rolling  die,  and  still  collect 
Fresh  denizens  from  every  various  land. 

(S3)  Id  Athens  this  language  vrm  not  the  mefe  Nourish  of  Poetry  ; 
but  OnitovSy  and  even  Phflosophcars,  expveaaed  thelnselves  in  as  high  at 
straui  relative  to  the  antiquity  of  their  conn&ymen  y  the  foliowing  passage 
ftom  a  dialogue  of  Plato,  called  Menezenua^  being  couched*  in  nearly 
the  sarnie  terms  ^— l^  S  aifmni  sffinwr  inttfft  ms  it  n  tm  v^vfn  utyim-tc  am 

ws  yn.  vm  f*mfiftc,  UK  €iMmj  o^X'  iov  pnysp,  ing  x^  ^  ^  ''*'^*    Plato,  £d« 
Senani,  V.  2.  p.  23rr 

VOL.  III.  A  A 


354  FRAGMENTS- 

But  he  who  roamiug  from  his  native  city 

Dwells  in  another,  like  a  beam  unsound 

Splic'd  to  support  the  edifice,  in  name 

But  not  in  deed  becomes  a  citizen. 

(24)  Yet,  O  my  friends,  if  this  superfluous  boa^i 

May  be  allow'd,  ours  is  a  temperate  clime 

Wliere  neither  heat  nor  wintry  cold  prevails. . 

Pleas'd  with  the  produc^tsof  our  native  soil. 

We  search  not  after  any  luxury  Greece 

Or  Asia  yields.     A  race  of  valiant  sons 

We  bear,  the  altars  of  our  Gods  to  guard. 

And  guard  our  country.     By  one  name  alone 

This  city  is  distinguished,  tho'  the  laws 

Established  here  arc  numerous.    With  what  justice 

Can  I  break  thro'  all  these,  when  'tis  my  duty 

To  yield  up  one  who  is  ordain'd  to  die 

For  many  ?  if  I  count  them,  from  the  greater 

Distinguishing  the  less,  one  single  house 

Can  ne'er  transcend,  ne'er  rival  the  whole  state. 

But  were  my  house  supported  in  the  stead 

Of  female  issue,  by  a  valiant  Son, 

Should  I  have  scrupled,  if  the  flames  of  war 

Had  caught  our  city,  to  have  sent  him  forth 

To  battle,  from  a  fear  lest  he  might  bleed  ? 

O  may  my  Children  fight,  may  they  obtain 

iPame  among  men,  nor  empty  shadows  prove. 

Born  to  no  purpose,  useless  in  the  state. 

Yet  have  the  tears  of  the  fond  Mother,  parting 

From  her  beloved  Sons,  caus'd  many  youths. 

Entering  the  field  of  battle,  to  become 

(24)  Five  lines  of  ibt  drigitiai  ^hich  are  hetlb  inserted  In  Xh;  MiwJ 
grave's  edition,  which  I  liave  followed  in  tfato  amoigenient'of  theiU)  are 
placed  by  Barney  among  the  Tragedies  iviiose  names  are-iirtimo^fi,  V. 
41^',. though  he  obsenr^s,rinia  .note, /4hat  they  apfiieftr  to  Mong  4o 
Ejrectheus;  and  PKitarch,  in  his  Treatise  on  Bad^e,  from  whence  he 
cites  them,  has  subjoined  them  to  «>Aie  of  the^onner  tmrt  of  iiiis  flptcfM 
of  Pnudtea,  the  >Fiferof  Htmt  MooH^dk. 


FRAGMENTS.  S9i 

ElfFeminate.    Those  Women  I  detest 

Who  to  the  honour  of  their  Soris  prefer  I 

Their  lives^  and  counsel  them  to  act  like  dastards* 

In  battle  had  my  progeny  expir'd,  i 

They  had  obtain'd  sepulchral  rites,  and' fame 

In  common  with  full  many  ;  but  a  wres^th  i 

Peculiar  to  herself  shall  crown  my  Daughter, 

Who  singly  bleeds  a  victim  for  this  city. 

To  rescue  me  her  Mother,  rescue  thee. 

And  her  two  Sisters.    Is  not  each  of  these 

A  cause  for  her  to  lay  down  life  with  joy  i 

My  Daughter,  her  who  by  no  right  was  mine. 

Except  my  having  borne  her,  will  I  give 

To  save  my  country*    Should  this  town  be  taken. 

What  benefit,  alas !  should  I  receive 

From  all  my  children  f  but  this  nation  now 

Shall  thro'  my  means  be  sav'd :  let  others  rule, 

While  I  am  the  protectress  of  my  country. 

But  as  for  what  regards  the  public  weal^ 

With  my  consent  shall  no  man  ever  change 

Those  usages  our  ancestors  held  sacred; 

Nor  shall  £lumolpus  and  the  troops  of  Thrftce 

O'erthrow  that  sculptur'd  Trident  which  is  fix'd 

Close  to  the  Gorgon,  wrought  in  massive  gold 

On  the  foundation  of  our  walls ;  no  wreath 

Of  laurel  shall  adorn  th'  invader's  brow. 

For  you,  O  citizens,  my  womb  ^s  fruitful ; 

May  ye  escape  and  conquer :  for  to  save 

My  dearest  Athens,  cannot  I  refuse 

One  single  life  thus  claim'd.    Ah,  would  tQ  Heaven, 

My  country,  thy  inhabitants  all  lov'd  thee 

As  I  do,  in  thy  precincts  should  we  dwell 

Happy  ourselves,  nor  could  affliction  reach  thee. 

I  know  not  how  to  form  a  just  opinion 

Of  Shame ;  for  there  are  seasons  when  'tis  needful.        ®*    ^*^ 

At  others  it  becomes  man's  greatest  curse.  * 

A  A  2  » 


* 


3gg  FRAGMENTS., 


B.    in 


They  sleep  on  the  bare  ground. 


M.     13     Nor  ever  lave  their  feet  in  the  cool  spring. 
Borne  safe  by  thee  to  th*  ^Ethiopian  land. 


B.     124 
M.      14 


M. 


M. 


EURYSTHEUS. 

This  cannot  be,  ('^5)  Old  Man,  let  not  vain  fear 
B.       3      Disturb  thee,  all  those  images,  the  hand 
^*       ^  '   Of  Daedalus  hath  wrought,  appear  endued 

Wiih  motion  and  with  sight,  so  great  his  skill. 

B.       7     Spch  is  the  duty  of  a  faithful  Servant, 

M.       4     Wiio's  bound  to  keep  the  secrets  of  his  Lord. 

Men,  without  reason,  scruple  to  beget 
B.       ^     A  spurious  race :  for  no  reproachful  name 
^'       *      Can  change  the  disposition  of  that  youth 

Whom  nature  fashioned  virtuous  at  his  birth. 

Now,  the  possessor  of  a  wealthy  house, 
B.      12      From  men  devoid  of  virtue,  but  with  power 
^*       ^     Invested,  the  first  honours  doth  obtain : 

For  we  less  value  brave  exploits  than  gold. 

ft,      15      I  know  not  in  what  balance  we  must  poise 
M.      7      Human  affairs,  and  learn  to  act  with  wisdom. 

But  with  his  sable  falchion,  like  the  ears 
Of  bearded  grain,  he  mow'd  them  all  away. 

Me  to  the  realftjs  of  Orcus  wilt  thou  send 
Before  my  death  :  and  well  I  know  the  goal 
To  which  I  must  direct  my  swift  career. 

(25)  The  history  and  fate  of  Eurysthetls  are  snfficieotly  inustrated  by 
the  Tragedy  of  Euripides,  entitled  the  Heraclidae,  or  Children  of  Her- 
cules. The  piece  before  us  appears,  from  the  argument  prefixed  by 
Barnes,  to  have  been  of  the  Satyric  species.  Dr.  Musgnive  sapposte 
these  lines  to  be  spoken  by  Enrysthens  to  the  Old  Man,  in  reply  to  the 
latter,,  who  a^tserted  that  he  had  seen  HereoleB  after  his  descent  iolo  tin 
infernal  regions. 


FRAGMENTS. 

Entrails,  or  eyes?  great  were  their  skill  in  medicine^ 
Who  by  incision,  by  salubrious  draughts. 
Or  any  drugs  whatever,  can  remove 
That  malady  most  baleful  to  mankind. 

The  laws  respecting  women  were  ordain'd 

Unwisely.     For  the  number  of  the  wives 

The  rich  man  is  ailow'd  to  take,  should  bear 

Proporlion  to  his  fortune;  from  his  house 

The  bad  he  thus  might  banish,  and  retain  B. 

The  good  to  make  him  happy.     But  their  views  ^* 

Men  now  confine  to  one,  and  cast  a  die 

Most  hazardous.     For  tho'  they  have  not  tried 

What  are  her  morals,  they  a  consort  take. 

And  think  such  props  their  mansion  will  sustain. 

How  much  more  wretched  are  the  female  sex 
Than  men  ;  in  virtuous  deeds  left  far  behind, 
And  liable  more  frequently  to  sin  ! 

Ah,  wretched  state  of  mortals,  O  ye  souls 
Of  women,  wrought  in  an  imperfect  mold  : 
To  us  how  great  a  pest  doth  Venus  prove ! 

Such  an  attendant  ought  we  to  allow 
The  matron,  as  without  restraint  will  speak  jj. 

Whatever  justice  dictates,  but  abhor  M. 

Each  foul  transgi-ession  which  her  eyes  behold- 

O  let  us  spare  the  man  of  w^orth,  but  treat  g^ 

The  wicked  with  that  scorn  his  crimes  deserve.  m. 

From  their  illustrious  birth,  great  hopes  we  form  g 

That  they  shall  wield  the  sceptre  of  this  land.  jvf. 

Full  many  phoose  the  Nymph,  who,  tho'  devoid 
Of  beauty,  from  a  noble  lineage  springs, 
To  be  the  Mother  of  their  future  Sons, 
Whose  good  they  thus  consult,  and  in  a  Wife 
Prefer  exalted  rartk  to  abject  gold. 


B. 
M. 


B. 
M. 


B. 
M. 


958  .  FRAGMENTS. 


THYESTES. 

If  riches  fail,  ignobly  must  tbou  wed  : 

For  tho*  men  praise  illustrious  birth,  they  seek 

To  form  alliances  with  those  who  prosper. 

Sprung  from  a  human  Father,  if  thou  hope 
Tb  live  exempt  from  toil,  thou  art  a  fool. 

B.  Adden-  That  Jove  alone  which  kindred  ties  produce, 
pf  52.    '  ^^  prompt  to  succour  our  afilicted  friends. 

If  there  are  falshoods  which  delude  mankind 
1^        ^     By  a  persuasive  language,  'tis  but  just 

On  th'  other  hand  to  think  that  many  things^ 
Which'  seem  to  us  incredible,  are  truths* 


H. 

1 

M. 

t 

?. 

4 

M. 

« 

I  NO. 


O  YE,  my  dearest  comrades,  would  to  Heaven 
da,  pi:ef.  That  it  were  possible  for  me  to  dwell 
p.  52.       Ag  gjgt  beneath  the  ix)ofs  of  i^thamas. 

And  to  recall  the  deeds  I  have  committed. 

M,    ^'^^  But  Ino's  fate,  which  long  hath  slept,  now  wakes. 

g        ^      Full  many,  by  their  boldness,  strive  to  cast 
Mt       3     Over  their  ishame  a  veil,  and  hide  their  crimes. 

Gain  honours  now,  ye  wicked  men,  by  force, 
B^       3     Rans^k  each  corner  of  the  world  for  gorld, 
M.       4      Confounding  right  and  wrong:  ye  at  the  last 

Shall  reap  the  harvest  of  your  vile  misdeeds. 

B.       r     What  luckless  Mother  bore,  what  Sire  begot 
M._      5      Envj',  that  hateful  b»Be  to  man  ?  where  dwells  she, 
And  in  what  members  of  our  frame,  the  hands, 


FRAGMENTS.  *  ^59 

Entrails,  or  eyes?  great  were  their  skill  in  medicine. 
Who  by  incision,  by  salubrious  draughts, 
.Or  any  drugs  whatever,  can  remove 
That  malady  most  baleful  to  mankind. 

The  laws  respecting  women  were  ordain'd 

Unwisely.     For  the  number  of  the  wives 

The  rich  man  is  allpw'd  tiJ  take,  should  bear 

Proportion  to  his  fortune;  from  his  house 

The  bad  he  thus  might  banish,  and  retain  B.      i8 

The  good  to  inake  him  happy.     But  their  vie^s  ^*       '^ 

Men  now  confine  to  one,  and  cast  a  ^ie 

Most  hazardous.     For  tho'  they  have  not  tried 

What  are  her  morals,  they  a  consort  take, 

And  think  such  props  their  mansion  will  sustain. 

How  much  more  wretched  are  the  female  sex 
Than  men ;  in  virtuous  deeds  left  far  behind. 
And  liable  more  frequently  to  sin  I 

Ah,  wretched  i^ate  of  mortals,  O  ye  souls 
Of  women^  wrought  in  an  imperfect  moid : 
To  us  how  gneat  a.  pest  doth  Veaus  prove! 

Such  ah  attendant  ought  we  to  allow 

The  matron,  as  without  restraint  will  speak 

Whatever  justice  dictates,  but  abhor 

Each  foul  transgression  which  her  eyes  behold* 

O  let  us  spjire  the  man  of  worth,  but  treat 
The  wicked  with  that  scorn  his  crimes  deserve. 

•  *  *  .  . 

From  their  illustrious  birth,  great  hopes  we  form 
That  they  shall  wieid  the  sceptre  of  this  land. 

Full  many  phoose  the  Nymph,  who,  tho'  devoid 
Of  beauty,  from  a  noble  lineage  springs. 
To  be  the  Mother  of  their  future  Sons, 
Whose  good  they  thus  consult,  and  in  a  Wife 
Prefer  exalted  rartk  to  abject  gold. 


B. 

2& 

M. 

8 

B. 

29 

M. 

9 

u. 

31 

M. 

10 

B. 

34 

M. 

11 

B, 

36 

M, 

12 

B. 

38 

M. 

13 

ado  .  FRAGMENTS. 

Whate'er  it  is  ihy  doty  to  conceal 
Let  no  man  know :  for  with  a  little  torch 
B.      U      Mav  Ida's  forest  easily  be  fir'd  : 

And  if  to  one  a  secret  thou  reveal. 

It  soon  will  be  divulg'd  thro'  the  whole  city* 

(28)  INO. 

Ail  that  behoves  a  noble  dame,  fall  well 

I  understand  ;  strict  silence  can  observe, 
B.      41      ^  hen  'tis  my  duty ;  and  when  safe,  can  speak ; 
M,     14      See,  or  am  blind,  as  suits  me  best ;  controul 

My  appetite  ;  and  tho*  I  now  am  wretched, 

A  liheral  education  have  received. 

Procure  thy  fortune  by  some  honest  means. 
Avoid  reproach^  thy  little  pittance  keep, 

B.      46      Observing  still  the  rigid  laws  of  justice: 

M,     15      Nor  imitate  the  folly  of  that  sailor. 

Who,  having  proved  successful  once,  at  last 
Lost  all  he  had  by  venturing  after  more. 

Thou  see'st,  how  little  shakes  the  Kings,  whose  power 
Hath  long  been  'stablish'd,  how  a  single  day 
Casts  one  man  from  his  envied  height,  and  lifta 
Another  up.     Fi)r  wealth  hath  wings,  and  them 
Who  erst  were  rich,  from  their  presumptuous  hopes 
Fallen  low,  and  prostrate  in  the  dust,   I  view. 

O  Queen»   th.e  woes  of  many  men  ^re  present, 
Of  some  just  ceas'd,  and  those  again  of  others 
With  danger  menace  theoi :   earth's  foodful  plants, 
And  th'  human  race  proceed  in  the  same  circle; 
Some  flourish,  others  waste  in  slow  decay. 
Or  by  the  scythe  are  instantly  mown  down. 

Tbro'  life  the  wise  are  bound  to  cherish  hope. 

(as)  Valkenacr  supposes  tliis,  speech  of  Ino  to  be  in  answer  to  tliat 
which  I  have  placed  immediately  before  it ;  they  are  at  a  considerable 
distance  from  each  other  both  in  the  editions  of  Barnes  and  Dr.  Moh 
grave. 


B.       50 
M.      16 


B 

55 

M. 

17 

B. 

60 

M. 

18 

FRAGMBNTS.  a6i 

"W^hen  thou  art  prosperous,   keep  a  steady  rein,  B,     6% 

And  in  thy  woes  auspicious  hopes  preserve.  ^*     ^* 

Thou  art  a  man ;  ah  frown  not  on  the  wretched.  |^'^     2e 

There  is  no  bettermedicine  for  the  grief 

Of  man,  than  counsel  from  a  virtuous  friend  ;  „ 

But  if  the  wretch  whom  this  idisease  affect^,  M^lnccrt», 

In  solitude  would  rouse  or  calm  bis  soul,  75 

The'  for  the  present  moment  he  forget 

His  cares,  to-morrow  utters  double  groans. 

Observe  the  fate  of  mortals,  nor  repine 
Beyond  all  measure^  for  not  thou  alone 
Art  to  severe  affliction  left  expos'd. 

Beneath  those  deep  sunk  caves,  without  ^  torc)[i, 
Residing  like  some  solitary  beast. 

By  those  who  wander  o'er  the  briny  deep 
She's  call'd  Leucothea,  and  her  soq  obtains 
The  sailor's  worship  by  Palaemou's  n^me. 


B. 

7S 

4 

21 

B. 

89 

M. 

22 

B. 

Addei^ 

p.  iso. 

I  JC  I  D  N.. 

Assume  the  semblance  of  a  virtuous  man. 
But  act  like  him  who  scruples  nought  for  gain. 

Because  the  maij  whom  nature  with  the  love 

M 

Of  gold  inspires,  from  justice  is  estrang'd 
Both  in  his  thopghts  and  wishes,  to  his  fri^n49 
Unfaithful,  and  a  traitor  to  his  country^ 

The  greatest  ohstacles  may  be  subdued 

By  courage ;  for  no  throne  was  e'er  establish'd^ 

]No  family  ennohled,  but  thro'  toil. 

Ixion  Son  of  Phlegyas  mighty  King.  '     Bf. 


'] 

B. 

1 

1  ■ 

M. 

1 

« 

/ 
{ 

\ 

p. 

3 

M. 

2 

^-••'' 

1 

B. 

6 

• 

M. 

3 

SSt  FRAGMENTS. 

Their  thoughts  withTreedotn^  and  bar  fast  thy  door» 

'Gainst  those  who  strhre  thy  iavoar  to  obtain 

By  al^ect  flattery ;  choose  for  tby  associaftes 

Thy  seniors^  thode  licentious  spirits  loathe^ 

Who  shine  then  only  when  they  raise  loud  borsts 

OF  laughter :  the  delight  which  sinful  pleasace 

Affords  is  short.    But  never,  O  my  Son» 

When  power  supreme  is  thine,  addict  thyself 

To  scandalous  amours  among  the  vulgar  t 

He  whets  the  swofd  against  himself,  he  tmnes 

The  deadly  noose,  who  of  the  virtuous  poor 

Contaminates  the  cbildreik    Nor  advance 

The  wicked  to  high  honours  in  the  city : 

For  they  when  wealth  abounds,  or  they  obtain 

A  post  of  some  authority,  elate 

With  unforeseen  prosperity,  grow  wantpn* 

Now  give  thy  Sire  thy  hand,  and  O  farewell. 

But  shame  forbids  me  to  prolong  th*  embrace. 

For  an  unmanly  soul  ill  suits  the  wise* 

There's  no  affection  can  exceed  what  ehiMiseti 
B.  S5  Feel  for  their  Mother;  let  this  k>ve,  my'Soaa, 
M»      8     Deep  in  your  tender  bosoms  be  implanted: 

For  no  attacfamettts  equal  kindred  ties. 

We  rather  ought  to  follow  honest  gain  ' 
B.     38     Than  plunder :  for  our  riches,  if  acquired  ' 
^'      ^     By  lawless  meand,  can  tie'ier' continue  long. 

B»     41     On  a  few  friends  I  father  would  rely. 

If.      s     Than  lead  a  swarm  of  dastards  to  the  field. 

No  man  who  fights  in  a  dishonest  cause 
B.  44, 4t     Returns  with  safety.    Hence  doth  it  behove 
M.  4, 5       A  prudent  General,  if  the  Gods  assent, 

,To  take  up  arms;  but  not  against  their  wilL 

By  toil,  the  bliss  of  mortals  is  encreas*d  ; 
B.     50     But  a  luxurious  life,  and  abject  fear. 

Or  to  ourselves  or  friends^  jpo  profit  brings. 


TRAGMENT& 

Iq  (£f))  just  requital  for  th«  flame  he  stole; 

Jknother  flame  more  hard  to  be  subdued^  ^^      ^ 

Woman,  burst  forth. 


CHORUS. 
O  Tbeseus,  I  advise  you  to  consider 
What  is  the  best  expedient,   nor  rely 
Ou  woman,  tho'  perchance  she  utter  truth. 


B.    jsa 


fi.       31 
M.       8 


B.       53 
M.        9 


B. 

4t 

M. 

11 

B. 

44' 

M. 

10 

B. 

Add.  : 

P 

.5«0 

M. 

17 

Alas,  alas,  that  facts  themselves  can  utter 
No  sound  articulate  to  human  ears. 
Then  could  no  specious  orator  avail ; 
But  now  by  fluent  speeches  me?i  disguise 
The  clearest  truth,  and  winning  art  mislead^ 
Our  judgement. 

Araons:  the  bulk  of  mortals  have  I  seen 
Prosperity  beget  unseemlj^  pride. 

From  riches  pride  or  avarice  ever  spring. 

* 

Preposterous  love  and  hati^ed  are  the  same. 

THESEUS. 

Bright  Ether,  and  thou  sacred  Lamp  of  Day, 

How  grateful  is  your  aspect  to  the  blest. 

And  e'en  to  those  who  like  myself  are  wretched. 

Here  have  the  Gods  unrighteously  determined.  M.     te 

(29)  An  allofiion,  as  Dr.  Ifiugraire  observes  in  his  note,  to  die  passage 
in  Hesipd,  wbere  Jupiter  threatens.  Promft^eus  with  yeageance,  f^r 
having  stolen  the  flame  from  J^eaven,  and  therewith  introduces  the 
orders  he  gives  Vulcan  to  form  Woman.* 

Zm  ^  eei/lu  fjieyec  npifju*  xcu  eai^aavf  e9)J0|ixtya(O'u 
Tot;  ^  tyuf  eeflt  vrj^  icum;  jomcoi,  y  xiy  eattvlUi 

Opera  &  dies,  v.  56. 

But  thou  too  late  shalt  ^d  the  triumph  vain. 

And  read  the  folly  in  succeeding  pain ; 

Posterity  the  sad  effects  shall  know, 

When  m  pursuit  of  joy  they  grasp  their  Woe.      CdOKE^ 


M.      14 


354  FIIAGMENTS- 

But  he  who  roaming  from  his  native  city 

Dwells  in  another,  like  a  heam  unsound 

Splic'd  to  support  the  edifice,  in  name 

But  not  in  deed  becomes  a  citizen. 

(24)  Yet,  O  my  friends,  if  this  superfluous  boa^l 

May  be  allow'd,  ours  is  a  temperate  dime 

Where  neither  heat  nor  wintry  cold  prevails*. 

Pleas'd  with  the  products  of  our  native  soil. 

We  search  not  after  any  luxury  Greece 

Or  Asia  vields.     A  race  of  valiant  sons 

We  bear,  the  altars  of  our  Gods  to  guard. 

And  guard  our  country.     By  one  name  alone 

This  city  is  distinguished,  tho*  the  laws 

Estabhsh'd  here  arc  numerous.    With  what  justice 

Can  I  break  thro*  all  these,  when  'tis  my  duty 

To  yield  up  one  who  is  ordain'd  to  die 

For  many  ?  if  I  count  them,  from  the  greater 

Distinguishing  the  less,  one  single  house 

Can  ne'er  transcend,  ne'er  rival  the  whole  state. 

But  were  my  house  supported  in  the  stead 

Of  female  issue,  by  a  valiant  Son, 

Should  I  have  scrupled,  if  the  flames  of  war 

Had  caught  our  city,  to  have  sent  him  forth 

To  battle,  from  a  fear  lest  he  might  bleed  ? 

O  may  my  Children  fight,  may  they  obtain 

Fame  among  men,  nor  empty  shadows  prove. 

Born  to  no  purpose,  useless  in  the  state. 

Yet  have  the  tears  of  the  fond  Mother,  parting 

From  her  beloved  Sons,  caus'd  many  youths. 

Entering  the  field  of  battle,  to  become 

(S4)  Five  lines  of  the  origitiai  -which  are  heife  inserted  jnlh'*  MusJ 
grave's  edition^  which  I  have  fiiilowed  in  tfab  arrangement 'Of  thein,  are 
placed  by  Btfoef  among  the  tragedies  whose  names  are  niiakmn,  )V. 
410;  dioiH^  he  dhservteyrin.a  note,  that  they  afipear  to  Moi%  i» 
Erectheus ;  and  Plutarch,  in  his  Treatise  on  Bad^e,  from  whence  ho 
cites  them,  has  subjoined  them  to  sonie'of  the^onner  |mrt  of  Ihis  sptf&di 
of  Pnudtfaea,  tbe  WifC'Of  tlwt  Mqubi^ 


:rRA6MENtS.  a6» 

Pirst  in  the  eyes  iogenuons  shame  is  seen.  ^      *'. 

O  Peace,  with  amiling  plenty  gay. 

Most  lovely  of  th*  immonal  train. 

For  tbee^  alas,  I  sigh  in  yain, 

Impatient  thro'^thy  long  delay. 

At  length  this  feehle  frame  opprest 

By  toil,  and  age  unwelcome  guest, 

Will  sink,  I  fear,  into  the  tomb. 

Ere  I  behold  thy  graceful  bloom. 

And  listen  to  the  tuneful  song,  ^'      ^^ 

While,  crowned  with  jSowdrs,  thy"  choral  throng 

Are  at  the  festive  banquet  seen. 

Visit  this  city,  aweful  Queen, 

And  from  our  blest  abodes  repell 

Sedition,  loathsome  child  of  Hell. 

Let  Discord  too  thy  vengeance  feel, 

Who  brandishes  the  pointed  steeL 

>  • 

The  only  gains  which  ought  to  be  pnrsa'd  B.      26 

By  man,  are  those  whence  no  repentance  springs*.         M-       * 

*        r 

,  Collecting  all  our  friends,  we  should  bewail 
The  new-born  child  who  comes  into  a  world 
Where  mischiefs  swarm  around  him  :  but  bear  forth       ,  *      ^ 
Amidst  rejoicings  and  auspicious  songs. 
Him  who  is  dead,  and  ceases  from  his  toil. 

'  The  race  of  fruitful  Niobe,  twice  seven  ®:  ^^^^ 

In  number,  by  the  shafts  of  Phoebus  died*  l^,       i^ 

A  (30)  large  extent  of  country,  which  with  ease 
Cannot  be  till'd,  for  by  steep  mountains  girt 

(30)  The  country  spoken  of  in  this  paragraph  is  said,  by  Strabo,  fi^om 
whom  Dr.  Musgrave  has  extracted  bis  account,  to  be  Sparta,  and  th«t 
in  the  next,  Messenia  :  these  regions  were  situated  in  the  South  and 
South-East  parts  of  the  Peloponesus ;  the  five  smaller  passages  from 
the  same  author,  which  unmediately  foUow  these  in  Dr.  Musgrave's 
edition,  I  have  omitted,  as  containing  nothing  which  could  render 
them  acceptaUe  to  tk«  English  reader.  * 


M.      18 


I      I 


M.      13 


SOS  FRAGMBNTS* 

Are  all  its  vallies :   on  this  rugged  soil 
No  fierce  invader's  fuot  presumes  to  tread. 

Productive  of  luxuriant  grain^  ref/resh'd. 
By  streams  unnumbered,  by  its  herds  of  kiAp 
And  fleecy  sheep  distinguished  :  from  the  blasts 
Of  freezing  winter  shelter'd,  nor  expp^'d 
To  the  immoderate  beams  of  torrid  9uns. 

■iimiiimigB? 

THE  CRETAN  VIRGINS. 

Why  (3  J)  with  such  care  should  we  select  a  Wife, 
When  they  who  bave  been  ^dvcafted  wvU  • 
B.  Alope  5  Bring  greater  shame  upon  their  housed  tbaci''they 
Whose  childhood  by  their  Parebts  tvat neglected? 

My  youthful  follies  ere  I  lay  aside. 
And  Hsten  to  austerer  reason's  voice. 

Thou  never  canst  be  blest,  if  thou  refuse 
To  toil :  for  sloth  in  a  young  man  is  base; 

What  (32)  lacks  the  festive  board,  or  with  "what  viand 
Is  it  not  loaded?  plenty  of  all  fo<^d 

(31)  This  passage,  inserted  by  Barnes  in  hit  Afop^,  ▼.  5,  is,  as  Mas- 
grave  observes  in  his  note,  taken  from  Stobsns,  Tit  74^  and  there  ib 
Uie  margin  of  Grotius's  edition,  p.  3fO,  said  to  belong  to  the  iErope  of 
Euripides,  which  in  both  Barnes  and  Masginveis  callM  Oressae,  ffote 
its  Chorus  consisting  of  Cretan  virgins :  but  Dr.  Musgrave,  after  point- 
ing out  their  right  place,  has,  through  inadyertency,  eatkely  odkitted 
these  verses  in  hi»  edition* 

(3^)  Tlic  line,  Ai  isultftti  mts  ^titc  o^fuj^w,  whi«h  Barnes,  Car- 
jnelli,  and  Dr.  Mnsgrave,  have  all  retained,  at  the  commencement 
of  this  pnssage,  is  tlie  436th  line  of  Hippolityns  in  the  first,  and  the  4'$ist 
in  the  last  of  those  editions,  and  appears  to  have  so  little  clahii  U>  a  re- 
petition in  tliis  place,  that  I  hate  made  n6  scruple  o^  omitting  It :  in  the 
next  passage  they  have  all  three  concluded  with  thriee  libes  ftom  the 
Electra,  V,  1097,  ed.  Barnes,  and  1104,  Musgrtive^  and  taken  Bft> 
notice  in  theii*  comments  of  sudi  repetition. 


B. 

2 

K. 

t 

B. 

3 

tt. 

3 

B. 

6 

M. 

9 

FRAGMENTSv  m 


That  tlie  seas  furnish,  lender  veal^  the  goose. 
Rich  cakes  and  honied  caudie  are  at  hand. 

Now  wed,  then  perish  by  the  venom'd  bovfrl, 
Or  stratagems  of  thy  perfidious  Consort. 

This  truth  from  long  experience  well  I  know, 
All  cultivate  the  friendship  of  the  rich. 

When  foul  reproach  attends  our  evil  fortunes, 

Tis  terrible  indeed :  yet  if  our  doom 

Be  thus  severe,  we  ought  to  cast  a  veil 

Over  our  shame,  nor  idly  publish  it. 

Which  would  but  raise  the  laughter  of  our  foes. 

Indulge  thy  genius  o*er  the  circling  bowl. 

Death  shall  decide  our  strife  ere  I  will  yield. 

ATREUS. 

By  shewing  in  what  mode  the  stars  perform 
Their  retrograde  career,  I  sav'd  the  people. 
And  hence  am  seated  on  th'  imperial  throne. 


Yon  fane,  whose  beams,  the  artist's  toil, 
With  cypress  rooted  from  the  soil. 
Hath  fashion'd.    In  the  mystic  rites 
Initiated,  life!^  best  delights 


B. 

11 

M. 

4 

B. 

1^ 

M. 

5 

B. 

23 

M. 

6 

B. 
M. 

8 

B. 

f9 

X 

B. 

30 

M. 

1* 

THE    CRETAN    PRIESTS. 

But,  O  ye  Cretans,  Ida*s  sacred  race,  J8,        i 

Snatch  up  your  boAv»  and  hasten  to  my  aid.  M*       t 

CHORUS  to  Minos. 
Sprung  from  Phoenicians  royal  line. 
Son  of  Europa  Nymph  divine. 
And  mighty  Jove,  thy  envied  reign 
O'er  Crete  extending,  whose  douirain 
Is  with  an  hundred  cities  crowti*d— — 
1  leave  yon  consecrated  grounjj. 


i    » 


Ik    \s 


«6S  I^HAGMENTS. 

1  plaee  in  Chastity  alone, 

Midst  Night's  dread  orgies  wont  to  rove. 

The  priest  of  Zagreus  (,SS)  and  of  Jove ; 

Feasts  of  crude  flesh  I  now  decline. 

And  wave  aloof  the  blazing  pine 

To  Cybel6,  nor  fear  to  claim 

Her  own  Curetes*  h alio w'd  name ; 

Clad  in  a  sdowj  vest  I  fly 

Far  from  the  the  ditoes  of  pregnancy. 

Never  amidst  the  tombs  intrude. 

And  slay  no  animal  for  food. 


B.         1 
M.        1 


B.         5 
M.         3 


LAMIA    (34). 

B,       1     Who  knows  not  Lamia's  name  thro'  all  the  world 
M.       1      Illustrious,  tho'  in  Libyan  deserts  born  f 


LICYMNIUS- 

SiMPLE,  and  unadorn'd^  for  great  exploits 
Renown'd;  a  mail  whose  wisdom  is  displayed 
In  deeds  alone,  unskilful  in  harangues. 


*•       ^     Toil,  they  assert,  is  Father  of  Renown. 


Teuthrantium,  pride  of  Mysia's  blest  domain. 


(33)  **  Zagreus  was  the  origiilal  Bacchus,  and  long  prior  to  the  Son  of 
'<  Semele  ;  he  sprung,  according  to  the  poets»  from  Jupiter  and  Proser- 
^  pine,  and  signified  beer,  ^hich  is  composed  of  com  and  rain  water, 
**  as  Bacchus  means  wine.  Konnus  introduces  an  account  of  the 
^'  birth  of  Zagreus  to^rards  the  close  of  the  fifth  book  of  his  Dionysiaca. 
*^  Zagreus  \ros  also  a  name  given  to  Bacchns  at  his  sacred  rites,  as  is 
*'  evident  from  the  hymns  of  Orpheus." 

(34)  See  Fnusanias,  ed.  Kuhoii,  p.  825.  Lamia  is  there  called  the 
daughter  df  Neptnite,  and  said  to  be  the  first  female  who  prophesied. 


^        I 


FRAGMENTS.  ^m 

Mighty  King,  b.  Addcn- 

Whom  laureat  wreaths  delight,  O  Bacchus,  Paean,  ^*  p.520. 

Apollo  skill'd  in  the  persuasive  lyre.  ,  *. 


B. 

1 

M. 

2 

B. 

2 

M. 

1 

B.         4 

M.       SO 


MELANIPPE, 

JovK,    as  he's  truly  call'd,   was  Hellen's  Sire. 

Whoe'er  Jove  be,  for  I  of  him  know  nought 
Except  what  I  have  heard. 

Many  there  are  who  for  the  sake  of*  mirth 
Indulge  facetious  satire  :  but  I  loathe 
Those  sons  of  laughter,  whose  unbridled  tonguei 
'  Insult  the  wise  ;  they  ought  not  to  be  numbefr'd 
'Mong  men,  altho'  we  smile  at  their  conceits : 
Yet  have  they  houses  of  their  own,  and  lodge 
In  ponderous  chests  the  treasures  they  have  gain'd. 

But  (35)  of  her  virgin  honour  when  bereft,  g^  ,    i^ 

If  she  exposed  her  Sons,   because  she  fear'd  m.     2S 

Her  Father's  anger,  wilt  thou  murder  them  ? 

Not  I,  but  my  sagacious  Mother  taught. 

That  Heaven  and  Earth  at  first  were  intermingled^ 

And  wore  one  form,  but  when  they  from  each  other 

Were  separated,  they  to  all  things  gave  «     ^^. 

A  birth,  and  into  light  produc'd  trees,  birds, 

Beasts  of  the  forest,  fished  in  th€  waves 

Of  ocean  nourish'd,  with  man's  nobler  race. 


(35)  The.  18601  Fable  of  Hyginua  contains  the  history  on  which  this 
Tragedy  is  supposed  to  be  founded.  Dionysius  Halicarnassensis,  from 
whom  the  three  Unes  contained  in  this  paragraph  are  cited  by  the  editors 
of  Euripides,  speaks  of  them  as  part  of  the  expostulation  of  Melanippe 
with  her  Father,,  whose  name  it  seems  was  Desmontes,  on  his  intention 
of  destroying  the  Sons  she  had  borne  in  consequence  oMer^  amour  with 
Neptune  :  but  they  ralher  seem  to  be  spoken  by  the  Qiorus,  pleading 
with  Desmontes  in  favour  of  bis  Dangfiter  and  her  Children. 

VOL.  III.  .     B  B 


B. 

27 

M. 

4 

B. 

30 

M. 

5 

B. 

31 

M. 

6 

B. 

33 

M. 

7 

370  FRAGMENTS. 

Think  ye  that  crimes  are  boroe  on  rapid  wings 
Up  to  the  Gods,  and  written  in  the  tablet^  (iJ6) 
Of  Jove,  that  he  examines  them,  and  thence 
B.      19     Distributes  justice?  not  the  Heavens  themselves 
M.       3     Were  large  enough  to  hold  all  man's  misdeeds. 
If  by  the  God  transcribed,   nor  can  he  mark 
And  punish  individuals.     But  here  dwells 
Justice  amongst  us,  would  ye  but  behold  her. 

The  slothful  citizen  is  void  of  worth. 

Heavens  !    what  a  man  !  he's  youqg  and  yqt  iiH>rose. 

The  name  he  bears  will  to  a  virtuous  Slave 
Be  of  no  prejudice ;  for  there  are  m^ny 
In  that  low  station  who  excel  the  Free. 

Than  an  abandoned  Woman  is  there  nought 

More  worthless,  and  no  merit  can  exceed 

The  virtuous  Dame's ;  so  different  are  their  natures. 

Hard  is  the  lot  of  the  whole  female  race, 
Expos'd  to  hate  :  for  they  who  have  transgressed. 
Unto  the  virtuous  their  reproach  transmit. 
And  to  the  chaste  th'  unchaste ;  hence  men  believe 
We  all  ai'e  faithl^iss  to  the  nuptjal  soyv. 

The  man  who  wooes  a  damsel  not  ordain'd 
To  be  his  bride,  exerts  a  fruitless  toil ; 

(36)  Pacatus,  in  his  Panegyric  on  the  Emperor  Theodosius,  seems  to 
have  availed  himself  of  this  thought,  as  a  vehicle  ibr  that  fulsome  adula- 
tion, which  distinguishes  the  venters  who  lhre(l,  sot  only  dnrkig  tlie 
decline,  but  at  every  period  of  the  Roman  Empu-e ;— <'  Ut  illi  Miyestatis 
tuas  participi  Deo  feruntiir  assistere  Fata  cum  Tabulis ;  sic  tibi  aliqna  vis 
divina  subservit,  qiite  quod  dixeris  scribat  et  suggerat.**  Fanegyrici 
Vet.  p.  335.  Ed  Delph.  Paris  1676.  Theodosins  reigned  tovirard^  the 
close  of  the  fourth  century,  and  fais  name  is  enrolled  among  the  Chris- 
tian Emperors;  bat  sorely  this  inversion  of  making  the  Supreme  Being 
his  Partner  in  the  imperial  dignity,  is  a  strain  beyond  what  Pagan  mlers 
weffs  accustomed  to  hear  of  themselves,  when  compared  wttfi  Jupiter. 
La  Bttone  the  Editor  considers  it  as  doubtful  whether  Piicatus  was  a 
Christian  or  a  Pagan ;  but  the  works  of  such  sycophants  may  be  consi- 
dered 9ft  a  disgrace  to  Religion  as  w«U«8  to  literature. 


B. 

56 

M. 

7 

B. 

41 

M. 

8 

FRAGMENTS. 


371 


But  she  whom  for  his  arms  the  Fates  reserve, 
Comes  to  his  house  tho'  unsollicitec]. 

Sure  they  who  wed  the  Dame  of  noble  birlb 
Or  large  possessions^  make  a  foolish  choice : 
For  when  a  Woman's  interest  in  the  hous^ 
Prevails,  thelfusband  must  become  a  slave, 
And  lose  his  freedom  :  noui^ht  avails  the  wealth 
Which  he  by  wedlock  gains,  for  a  divorce 
Is  then  not  easy. 

A  Wife  selected  from  the  middle  rank, 
Discreet  and  virtuous,  is  the  greatest  blessing 
Heaven  can  bestowy  or  facvour'd  man  obtain. 

Except  (57)  ray  Mother,  I  all  women  hate. 

Of  his  egregious  folly  would  I  warn 
The  man  who,  lacking  children  of  his. own. 
Into  his  house  admits  the  stranger's  race. 
And  strives  to  alter  Fate's  supreme  decrees. 
For  he  to  whom  Heaven  grants  no  issue,  ought 
To  rest  content,  nor  murmtir  'gainst  the  Gods^ 

Hard  is  the  lot  of  any  gentle  youth 
Subject  to  a  morose  and  churlish  Sire. 

Indeed  I  know  not  in  what  light  we  ought 
To  view  Nobility.   For  I  pfonoupce 
That  they  who  are  endued  with  manly  courage, 
And  just,  tho'  they  from  servile  Parents  spring,' 
Possess  what  empty  titles  canpot  give. 

(37)  <^  From  this  and  other  like  sentences,  htadea  his  mtrodueing  on 
^'  the  stage  many  harlots,  adultresses,  sorceresses,  and  women  who 
'^  murdered  their  husbands,  as  Glytemnestra,  Helen,  Pbasdra,  Pasiphais, 
"  Medea^  JSrope,  and  Stfaenobcea,  Euripides  was  ci^ljed  by  the  antiex^ts, 
**  the  Woman-Hater:  but  he  gained  this  epithet  only  among  the  unleam- 
'^  ed ;  for  others  acknowledged  the  candour  of  the  poet,  and  that,  tar 
i^  often  ai  the  sul^ect  reiiared,  he  be^^owM  ^bim^t  praises  on  the 
<<  sex,  and  exhibited  exceUeqt  Tirgins  ^d  berpines,  faithAiI,  chaste, 
4<  mtreptd,  and  w>8e»  as  Alcestis,  Evadne,  Iphigepia,  Electra^  Poiyxenar 
**  Andromache^  and  Macaria."       Barnes*  , 

B  B  i 


&     4i 

M«        9 


B. 

51 

M. 

10 

\ 

B. 

54 

M. 

11 

B. 

6!^ 

H. 

12 

B. 

^ 

M, 

13 

B. 

69 

M. 

24 

■nt: 


B. 

66 

M. 

15 

B. 

68 

M. 

16 

S7^  FRAGMENTS. 

Full  many  men  there  are  who,  O  my  Son, 
Thrive  in  the  temperate  clime  of  humbler  life; 
But  pomp  is  tlie  forerunner  of  destruction. 

Him  I  pronounce  a  wise  and  temperate  man 

Who  hath  learnt  how  to  bear  each  change  of  Fortune. 

B.      70      Yours  is  the  case  of  many,  not  content 
M.Incerta,  With  what  the\  have,  but  grasping  after  more. 
To  their  own  folly  they  their, ruin  owe. 

This  is  an  ancient  saying  :  young  men's  actions^ 
But  hoary  veterans'  counsels,    bear  the  prize. 

What's  an  old  man,   but  a  mere  voice  and  shadow  i 

Why  wilt  thou  not  permit  the  dead  to  rest 
Beneath  the  silent  tomb,  ah,  why  renew 
The  streams  of  tears  thou  hast  already  shed  ? 

It  is  impossible  they  who  commit 
M.     25      A  deed  of  infamy  should  lie  concealM  : 

For  Time  sees  all  things  with  his  piercing  eyes. 

• 

First,   b}'  nnerrina;  oracles,  to  man 
*v"4Ji      The  mystic  will  of  Heaven  did  she  unfold, 
M.     27      Drawn  from  the  aspect  of  the  rising  stars. 


B. 

73 

M. 

17 

B. 

75 

M. 

18 

B. 

76 

M. 

19 

MELEAGER. 

Cencessit  in  inis 
Ipse  t)eum  antiqaam  genitor  Calydona  Dims. 


Virgil. 


mm 


B.  Add.  p.  This  (38)  spot  is  Calydon,  from  Pelops'  land 
Melan-     Sever'd  by  friths,  with  plenteous  harvests  blest, 

ippe,  78    O'er  these  iEtolian  regions  Oeneus  rules, 
M.       1 

(38)  This  passage,  ofivhich  only  the  tet  and  tvro  last  lines  are  m 
Barnes,  is  coHccted  in  its  present  form  by  Dr.  Musgrav<^«  The  passage 
in  regard  to  Tydeus  devooring  tlie  head  «f  Melaoippus^  B^S.  M.  18. 
was,  I  thought,  best  omitted. 


B. 

5 

M. 

19 

B. 

6 

M. 

4 

B. 

7 

M. 

7 

B. 

9 

M. 

8 

FRAGMENTS. 

Porthaon's  Son,  his  Consort  was  Althaea, 
Sister  of  Leda,  Thestiiis'  lovely  Daughter. 

The  King,  when  he  had  reaped  th*  exuberant  grain, 
And  his  first  fruits  presented  to  the  Gods,         •  ®* 

No  victicn  on  Diana  did  bestow. 

Attentive  to  the  present  state,  thou  seest 
How  thou  my  evil  fortunes  hast  assuag'd. 

In  his  right  hand  an  iron  mace  he  bore^ 

But  Meleager  is  the  name  thou  bear'st,  j^j, 

Doom'd  to  pursue  an  inauspicious  prey. 

Cowards  have  no  pretension  to  be  numbered 
In  battle;   they,  tho'  near  at  hand,  are  absent. 

How  great  a  comfort  is  it  to  the  slave. 
To  find  a  virtuous  master,  and  the  master 
Is  also  happy  in  a  faithful  slave. 

If  e'er  I  enter  on  the  wedded  state, 

(Which  Heaven  forefend  !)  my  mansions  to  adorn. 

May  I  beget  a  valiant  race,  with  nerves 

Strung  by  assiduous  labour;  for  the  Sons 

Whose  Sire  and  Mother  both  have  been  inur'd 

To  lead  a  hardy  life,  are  most  courageous. 

I  therefore  judg'd,  that  to  a  vi^^nous  raate^ 

A  worthless  Consort,  if  in  wedlock  join'd. 

Could  ne'er  bring  forth  a  noble  progeny.  ^^ 

But  if  each  parent  glow  with  patriot  zeal. 

From  them  heroic  children  must  descend. 

A  golden  Eagle  deck'd  the  n^a^siv^  shield 

OfTelamon,  which  dauntless  he  oppos'd 

To  the  fierce  Savage;  with  the  clustering  vine  ^-      19 

His  brows  he  girt,  this  warrior  was  the  pride  ^^'       ^ 

Of  happy  Salamis  his  native  land: 

Hated  by  Venus,  from  th'  Arcadian  fields 


B.       11 
M.         9 


B.        16 

10 


\ 


B. 

29 

M. 

IX 

B, 

33 

M. 

t^ 

6T4  FRAGMENTS. 

Came  Atalanta>  ivith  her  hounds,  her  bow. 
And  biting  axe,  in  an  embroider*d  vest. 
The  (39)  Sons  of  Thestius  followed  her,  all  bare 
Was  their  left  foot,  their  right  in  sandals  clad. 
That  they  with  greater  ease  might  bend  the  ktiee; 
Such  is  the  usage  of  ^tolian  youths.  . 

If  man  should  wield  a  shuttle,   while  the  love 
Of  arms  invaded  every  female  breast ; 
Thro'  such  ab§i^rd  desertion  of  th'  employments 
They  understand,  both  sexes  would  prove  worthless. 

The  virtuous  Dame  remains  at  home :  1;>ut  she 
Who  ranges  much  abroad  is  void  of  merit 

These  are  the  best  possessions,  O  my  Mother, 
.  And  far  beyond  all  wealth  which  takes  its  flight 
B.      35     On  rapid  wings ;  because  a  virtuous  race 
M.     13     Of  Children  are  a  treasure  to  their  house. 

In  them  the  Parents  find  their  youth  renew*dj 
And  fame  transmitted  to  each  distant  age. 

Two  blessings  only,  thod  with  all  thy  gold 
Canst  never  buy,  a  generous  soul  and  valour  c 
From  the  deform'd  tho*  beauteous  children  sprihg. 

Be  courloous  to  the  living :  for  the  dead 
Are  but  mere  dust  and  shadows,  they  arose 
From  nothing,  and  tp  nothing  are  reduced. 

Alas  !  how  soon  doth  Jove  o'erthrow  thfe  prO&peroifs  ! 

^ 

Sweet  is  the  light  to  me,  but  none  who  view'd 
The  drear}'  realms  of  Pluto  e'er  return'd 
Valk.iu240  ^"^^  ^^^^  upper  world  :  I  who  derive 

(39)  <^  The  two  Brothers  of  Althsti,  Meleager's  Mother ;  their  ittineft 
"  according  to  Pausanias  were  ProtUous  and  Cometes;  but  Ovid  calls 
**  them  Toxeos  and  Plexipput.  This  accoant  of  those  who  assembled 
''  at  the  hunting  of  the  Caledouian  boar,  is  preserved  in  the  Saturnalia 
**  of  Macrobins,  L.  5,  c.  IS.**        Barnes. 


B. 

40 

M. 

14 

B. 

< 
43 

M. 

15 

B. 

45 

M. 

16 

B.       45 
M.       17 


FRAGMfiN*FS, 

My  birth  from  an  illastridns  hoiike,  abhor 

The  griesly  tyririt  Death,  instead  of  wishing 

For  his  ap|>#oa0l*.  Than  fife  there's  ncrcrghtrtiorepredfoiis; 

Here  shines  the  sun>  'tis  darkness  ail  beneath. 

Venus  is  partial  to  the  midrtJgbt  glooiH  : 

But  day's  broad  gJafe  constrains  us  to  be  Wise. 

Grant  me,  O  Jove,  yon  ftrrious  JJoar  to  slay. 


B. 


!S15 


28 

3S 


M.       23 


OEDIPUS. 

(40) 
By  fate  is  h  o^tdaitiM  th%i  thdh  jhaB  restp 
The  bitter  buihrest  6f  hfe  v^i<ifced  schentes. 

In  the  iatttfe  hxih,  Ertvjr,  which  perverts 
The  souls  of  many,  hath  involved  us  both. 

Which  is  mos£  useful,  \yisdom  void  of  courage. 
Or  boldness  join'd  with  fblly  ?  tho'  perverse. 
This  gudrds  os  ff6rh  our  fo^&,  that  causes  peace : 
But  there  m  bwh  krtbs  sotne^rhat  most  unsound. 

Tho*  Love  be  &n^;  tfi^  jbyS  whicih  he  bestows 

Are  various;  sotfr^  itidulge  a  guilty  passioii. 

And  others  a  more  honourable  flaiEne : 

But  that. Love  only  which' his  votaries  leads 

To  chastity  and  virtue,  is  the  Love 

Han  ^t)tild  desire;  iiiay  I  be  one  of  those 

Who  to  the  God  such  purer  homage  yield. 


B. 

7 

M. 

4 

B. 

9 

M. 

7 

B. 

11 

M. 

C 

B. 


15 
15 


(40)  The  two  libes,  wUch  iA^  Batto  8fa«d  at  the  b^iuung  of  this 
pleo^,  are  rtready  iaBertttd  as  the  lii^t  seiftence  of  the  Antigone  :  the 
ioOr  fiext  lihed  are  iiejected  by  Valkenaer  and  Heatfa^  who  consider 
them  ofdy  t»  the  uronb  of  the  Scholnst  onihe  Phioeiii^ae,  v.  61.  The 
line  B.  59^  is,  by  Stobeeus,  Tit;  73,  ascribed  to  an  mdjio\1rn  wriC^r^  and 
not  to  Earipides. 


B. 

19 

M. 

5 

B. 

22 

M 

8 

3Zfi  FRAGMENTS. 

Not  in  pale  silver  only  and  in  gold 

Consists  man^s  wealth  :  but  virtue  is  a  treasure 

Of  general  u^e,  and  plac'd  within  our  reach. 

The  disposition  ought  to  be  observM ; 
For  lovely  features  are  of  no  avail 
.   When  they  but  serve  to  hide  a  tainted  heart* 

Sufficient  empire  is  it  for  a  man 

To  have  a  Wife  and  Children:  I  pronounce 

jj       2^     That  his  calamities  whg  loses  these, 

lil,       9      Is  equal  to  the  exile's  who  is  reft 

Of  all  his  fortunes.     For  the  best  possession 
Bestow'd  on  mortals  is  a  virtuous  Consort. 

Her  Lord's  behest  each  virtuous  Dame  obeys ; 
But  the  unchaste  thro'  folly  scorns  her  Husband. . 

There's  nought  so  hard  to  be  subdued  as  Womw. 

Inferior  to  her  Lord  is  every  Wife, 

Tho'  a  mean  Peasant  wed  the  noblest  Dame. 

Full  many  revolutions  in  our  life 

And  fortune,  Jove  hath  caus'd  :  but  this  one  day 

To  thee  is  with  unnumber'd  changes  fraught. 

The  making  our  misfortunes  known  to  all. 
Is  foolish ;  the  concealing  them,  discreef. 

From  bliss  unhop'd  for,  man  receives  a  joy 
Much  greater  than  from  that  which  he  expected. 

^*  ^ff.      (41)  Bht  on  the  ground  when  we  had  tl^rown  the  Sod 
M^       3     Of  Polybus,  we  of  his  eyes  bereft  him. 

(41)  In  this  passage,  which  is  cited  by  the  Scholiast  on  the  Phoenissae, 
Euripides  contradicts  both  himself  and  Sophocles,  in  representing  the 
eyes  of  Oedipus  as  being  put  out  by  the  servants  of  Laius,  ^o  no  donbt 
considered  him  as  the  real  son  of  Polybus  who  had  educated  him.  Vsdke- 
naer  echoes  Heath  in  representing  Barnes  as  having  omitted  tiiese  two 
lines,  which  would  immediately  haVe  occurred  to  them,  hnd  ttiey  given 
tliemselves  the  trouble  of  turning  to  his  Addenda. 


B. 

29 

M. 

1 

B. 

31 

M. 

10 

B. 

33 

M. 

2 

B. 

35 

M.ll 

,12 

B. 

38 

M. 

13 

B. 

40 

M. 

14 

FRAGMENTS.  377 


O  E  N  E  U  S. 

DIOMEDE. 
Hail^   Calydon,   my  lov'd  paternal  land. 
Whence  erst,   polluted  with  a  kinsman's  gore, 
Tydeus  ray  Sire,   the  Son  of  Oeneus,   fled 
To  Argos,  where  the  Daughter  of  Adrastus 
He  wedded,  and  a  great  alliance  forra'd- 

But  various  manners,  various  men  delight. 

PIOMEDE. 

Art  thou  thus  left  to  perish  by  thy  friends  ? 

OENEUS. 

Some  of  the  friends  I  bad,   are  now  no  more ; 
And  they  who  yet  survive,  devoid  of  courage^ 

DIOMEDE. 
But  I  aveng'd  ray  noble  Father's  death. 
Assisted  by  the  children  of  the  slain. 

He  who  observes  th'  opinions  of  mankind, 
Can,  like  a  magnet,  their  inconstant  souls 
Attract,  as  suits  his  purpose,   or  repell. 

No  truce  is  granted  :  yet  th*  unhappy  love. 
Oft  to  relate,  and  to  bewail,  their  woes. 

A  man's  own  children  only,  to  the  last 
Preserve  their  faith  unshaken  :  for  his  kindred 
May  be  corrupted  by  the  lust  of  gain. 

But  when  the  wicked  triuraph,  O  my  friends; 
With  power  invested,  fancying  vengeance  sleeps. 
They  follow  lawless  pleasures  unrestrained. 

Full  raany  a  shaft  of  Bacchus,  at  the  head 

Of  that  old  man  they  airaM :  but  'twas  ray  office 

To  crown  with  garlands  him  who  reached  the  mark. 


B. 

1 

M. 

• 

1 

B. 

6 

M. 

4 

B. 

7 

M, 

4 

• 

B. 

9 

M. 

3 

B. 

11 

M.. 

5 

. 

1 

* 

B. 

14 

M. 

f 

B. 

16 

M. 

6 

B. 

18 

M. 

9 

B. 

«1 

M. 

8 

578  FRAGMENXa 

Such  the  reward  assigned,  for  having  thrown  (42) 
The  foaming  wine  most  dextrously  aloof. 
And  caught  it  in  his  bdwl  wfkh  f($stive  soand. 


B. 

1 

M. 

6 

B. 

2 

M 

1 

Vlti 


OENOMAUS. 

We  by  the  present  judge  of  what's  unseen. 

Who  meddles  most,  of  all  men  most  offends. 

In  doubt  I  still  remain^  nor  can  discover 
Whether,  a  race  of  children  to  beget. 
Is  best  for  man,  or  to  enjoy  the  fruits 
Of  life  without  them  :  for  1  see  that  they 
2^       2     Are  wretched  who  have  none,  and  they  who  bear 
A  father's  name  not  happier ;  for  if  Sons 
Prove  wicked,  they  are  curses ;  but  if  good. 
Ensues  this  evil,  the  pateriiA)  breast 
,      They  fill  with  care,  test  mischief  should  befall  them. 

The  first  of  all  attninnients  is  to  bear 

What  happens  with  composure.     Such  a  man 
B.      li      Is  tinily  good,  calamity  on  him 
^'      ^     Inflicts  but  a  sli8:ht  wound  :  but  tho'  in  words 

We  on  this  topic  ably  can  expatiate, 

The  difficulty  lies  in  acting  welL 

But  whosoever  wishes  to  attain 
H.     i(j     Th'  iII-omen*d  period  of  old  age,  is  void 
M.       4      Of  reason;  for  unnumber'd  cares  attend 

Life  lengthened  out  beyond  its  usual  date. 

(42)  The  word  nvtla&if,  which  it  is  impracticable  t6  reoAtr  into  Eng- 
lish without  much  circnmlecution,  is  amply  cDscnssed  by  Henry  Stephens 
in  his  Greek  Thesaurus,  and  Atlienaeus,  in  whom  it  takes  up  near  ibinr 
pages  at  the  commencement  of  his  fifteenth  book.  SuidaS  extracts  his 
article  wrra&^uij  from  the  Sclioliast  on  Aristophanes*  Comedy  6f  Peace, 


FRAQMENm  379 

Old  age>  wh^t  pleasing  hopes  dost  tho«  afford  I 
And  all  men  wish  to  readh  thy  distant  goal ;  M  inc  im. 

But  he  who  makes  the  trial,  with  regret  78 

Acknowledges  that,  there  is  nought  more  grievous. 

There  is  a  pleasure,  e'en  amidst  our  woes, 
In  lamentation  and  a  stream  of  tears»  ^*      <3 

Because  such  lenitives  beguile  the  grief  ^'      ^ 

Which  prej'd  tvithin^  and  ease  the  labouring  heart 


iLm 


PA  LA  MED  ES^ 

B         1 

Thousands  are  qualified  to  lead  ah  host:  M,      ^ 

But  ages  scarce  produce  one  titily  wise. 

PALAMEDES. 

To  banish  cul-st  'ob1ivioB>  I  alone 
The  mute  and  v6cal  parts  of  th'  alphabJBt 
In  syllables  arranging,-  ^hew'd  to  man 
The  use  of  letters,  that  the  tnariner. 
While  his  swift  keel  divides  thie  foaining  wave, 
May  be  inform'd  of  all  events  which  pass 
In  his  lov*d  coutitry  :  that  tbe  dying  Father 
Ilis  last  behests  by  Writing  may  expkin, 
And  portion  out  th*  inheritance  h^  leaves 
Among  his  children,  so  that  eabh  hiay  know 
He  hath  his  right,     the  faithful  tablet  ehds 
All  strife,  nor  supers  man  to  titter  falsbood. 


When  we  confide  in  those  we  now  distrust. 
And  grow  suspicions  of  our  present  friends, 
Perchance  w^may  be  sav'd  :  the  greatest  cause 
Is  there  to  dread  those  citizens  on  whom 
We  now  implicitly  rely,  and  use 
Jhe  services  of  those  we  iscorn'd  :  for  hence 


B.      a 


B.       U 


380  FRAGMENTS. 

May  we  expect  redemption.     If  these  measures 
Prove  inauspicious,  how  can  we,   by  talcing 
A  contrary  direction,  fail  of  safety  ? 

O  Agamemnon,  Fortune  in  the  eyes 
Of  all  mankind  looks  seemly,  the  whole  world 
J.  '        •    Concur  in  entertaining  one  idea 
M.       3      Of  riches;  both  the  votaries  of  the  Muse, 
And  they  who  lead  a  life  far  far  ^strang'd 
From  her  harmonious  accents,   toil  for  gold. 
And  he's  deem'd  \yisest  who  possesses  most. 

Ill  can  I  relish  such  delights 
As  haunting  Bacchus'  frantic  rites, 
B,      24  With  Cybele,  who,  thro*  the  grove 

M.       5  On  Ida's  summit  wont  to  rove. 

Transported  shakes  the  solid  ground 
Oft  as  he  hears  her  timbrels  sound. 

With  ruthless  hands,  O  Greeks,  have  ye  destroyed 
That  Nightingale  who  the  persuasive  strains 
B.      30      Of  wisdom  "chanted;  your  accursed  ragie. 
That  inoffensive  votary  of  the  Muse, 
The  best  of  all  your  citizens,  hath  murder'd. 


M  7 


Not  he  who  hath  cpmmilted  po  injustice 
Is  therefore  just,  but  he  who  hath  the  power 
Of  doing  wrong,  yet  will  not;  neither  he 
Who  can  abstain  from  taking  little  bribes. 
But  he  who  perseveres  in  scorning  great  ones 
p.  522      Which  he  with  safety  might  receive  and  hold; 
Nor  yet  the  man  who  merely  is  content 
All  these  restraints  t*  observe,  but,  with  a  soul 
Above  all  fraud  and  generous,  he  whose  wish 
Is  to  be  truly  just,  and  not  to  seem  sp.    • 


.B.  Adden. 


M.        8 


Of  thee,  long  since,  O  Ajax,  did  I  wish 
To  ask  this  question,  but  I  had  not  leisure. 


FRAGMENTS. 


PIRITHOUS. 


S79 


B.         9 
M.        4 


TuEE;  I  invoke,  who  from  thyself  aione 

Deriv'st  thine  origin,  thro'  thee  all  nature 

Fix'd  in  th'  etherial  vortex  wheels  around  :  b.       i 

The  radiant  Sun,  in  party-colour'd  robe  M,       s 

Array'd,  the  dusky  Night,  and  countless  host 

Of  stars,  assembling  form  th'  incessant  dance. 

He  did  not  rashly  hazard  the  crude  thoughts 
By  inexperience  dictated,  who  first  B.       e 

This  saying  did  invent;   that  Fortune  aids  M       6 

Their  cause,  whose  souls  by  wisdom  are  inspir'd* 

With  chains  more  strong 
Than  those  of  brass  the  Hero's  feet  are  bound. 

*Twere  better  far  to  die,  than  live  ignobly.  B.      lo 

M.       8 
In  a  perpetual  current,  which  ne*er  leaves    , 

Its  channel  dry,  unwearied  Time  rolls  on,  _ 

And  still  is  his  own  Father.     The  two  Bears 

Move  swift,  and  guard  with  brawny  chests  the  pole 

Supported  by  gigantic  Atlas'  might. 

My  country's  Argos,  Hercules  my  name, 

Jove  universal  Father  of  mankind. 

Begot  me,  for  my  virtuous  Mother's  bed  ^* 

He  in  disguise  (48)  ascended  :  I  come  hither 

Forc'd  by  the  haughty  mandates  of  Eurystheus. 

More  safe  than  any  law  is  a  good  usage 
Well  'stablish'd,  this  no  crafty  orator 

(43)  The  line  zeug  wf  xtXMlw  ins  m^^no;  vrn^  lOenag  alreadgi  occurred  in 
the  TVfplantppp.  at  the  very  commencemeDt  in  Barnes's  edition,  and  ha- 
ving strongly  the  appearance  of  beiftg  erroneously  foisted  'Into  tins  pas- 
sage, in  which  it  stands  in  Dr.  Mnsgmve's  edition  a»  the  4fh  line,  is 
omitted  in  the  versipn :  <'  wUmowu  to  her^  and  hacag  amaned  the  form 
of  An^^ryon,"  or  somewhat  to  that  purpose,  would  better  accord  with 
the  epithet  xf^ii^, 


15 


384  FRAGMENTS. 


B.       13 
M.        6 


B.         1 


B.        4 

M.        3 


O  Gold,  tboa  art  not  burdensome  to  ifaoae 
Who  carry  thee  ;  but  many  toils>  and  cares 
Most  baleful,  are  thy  comrades,  the  whale  life 
Of  man  thy  votary  is  with  sorrow  fraught. 


B         if) 

j^      g     Let  fleecy  victims  at  the  altars  bleed. 


P  O  L  Y I  D  U  S. 

Ha  !  the  voracious  (44)  Eagle  I  behold 
Is  hovering  o'er  these  cliffs,  the  Boy  no  doubt 
Lies  dead  on  the  dry  land  :  for  had  a  bird 
M«       1      Who  dwells  amid  the  waves,  fled  from  the  coast 
Into  the  ocean,  this  would  sure  denote 
That  there  the  stripling  found  a  watery  grave : 
But  now,  forsaking  her  accustom'd  haunts, 
Hither  in  quest  of  food  she  wings  her  way  ; 
The  corse  then  floats  not  on  the  briny  main, 

They  who  are  vers'd  in  every  liberal  art 
Are  most  unhappy,  since  lo  He  expos'd 
To  cruel  taunts  from  th'  undisceruing  vulgar 
Who  call  them  fools,  is  misery  sure,  not  bliss. 

(44)  This  passage  is  supposed  to  be  fhe  speech  of  Polyidos,  vho,  by 
the  account  given  of  him  in  Hyginns,  appears  to  have  been  a  celebrated 
soothsayer  in  Cfete,  and  to  have  restored  to  life  Glaucns  the  son  of 
Minos  and  Pasiphae,  whose  body  could  not  be  found  till  discovered  by 
Polyidus,  he  having  fallen  into  a  cask  filled  with  honey  as  he  was  play- 
ing at  tennis.  The  word  akuutlog,  which  Pliuy  renders  Haliap.etos,  and 
calls  the  rixth  and  last  species  of  the  Eagle,  is  said,  in  his  Natural  His* 
tory,  to  signify  a  bird  which  feeds  chieliy  upon  fishes.  The  context 
evidently  shews  that  Elian's  censure  of  Euripides,  in  the  ^  chapter 
of  his  5th  book  de  Natur^  Amrnalium,  for  here  speadcing  of  the  Owl, 
which  is  not  to  be  found  in  Crete,  must  have  arisen  dther  from  an  erro- . 
roneus  text,  or  his  own  mistake  in  quoting  from  memory ;  the  Owl  not 
being  a  bird  which  seeks  its  prey  on  the  seat-shore.  In  Barnes  the  two 
first  and  two  last  lines  are  wanting :  but  Valkeoaei:  and  Dr.  Mua^rave 
supply  them  from  the  Scholia  on  Helmogenes. 


FRAGMENTS.  385 

Nor  is  the  goblet,  and  the  plenteous  feast. 

The  only  blessing  wealth  bestows  on  man;  B.       7 

For  in  affliction  too  its  power  is  great,  M,       4 

Much  wealth  is  thine,  yet  seem'st  thou "void  of  reason  : 
In  riches  there  is  folly,  but  constrained  g 

Thro*  misery  to  exert  her  utmost  force,  m,       5 

Doth  Poverty  gain  wisdom  for  her  portion. 

Frantic  are  they  who  vain  expence  bestow  b.      is 

On  the  remains  of  their  departed  friends.  ^-       « 

Who  knows  but  Life  may  justly  be  esteem'd 

A  state  of  Death,  and  Death  the  blest  commencement  ^'      ^^ 

Of  fresh  Existence  in  the  shades  beneath  ? 

He  who  employs  the  talents  nature  gave 
In  some  pursuit  of  real  use,  is  wise. 

Such  cost  thou  on  thy  house  employ's!  in  vain. 

Small  were  a  shrine,  like  that  which  you  describe 
For  the  sepulchral  mansion  of  a  Kinsj: 
Let  its  dimensions  every  way  be  doubled. 
But  do  not  deviate  from  the  cubic  form. 

(45)  With  him  sweet  Cretan  pipes  he  in  the  tomb  |^,     10 

Deposited,  and  bones  of  dappled  hinds. 


M. 


M.      [8 


M. 


PROTESILAUS. 

AvAUNT,  and  leave  this  threshold,  ye  Profane, 

Common  and  free  to  all  be  the  embraces 

Of  every  woman.  M. 

(45)  The  passage  of  Plutarch  referred  to  by  0r.  Mosgraye,  whence 
the  above  lines  ^^b  takto,  is  ia  his  treatise  ontiie  impossibility  of  living 
happily  according  to  the  doctrines  of  Epicnms,  Op.  Mor.  p.  1104.  ed. 
Paris  16S4  r  he  there  speaks  of  the  custom  of  baryiiqf  -wiih  the  dead 
what  was  most  dear  to  them,  and  of  Minos*s  interring  his  son  Glaucus, 
whom  we  must  htuce  infer  to  have  lieeii  a  musician,  and  fond  of 
lidntiiig. 

VOL.  Ill,  c  e 


B.        1 
M.       1 

B.        ^ 
9 


B.        4 
M.        3 


386  FRAGMENT?. 

LAODAMIA. 

B.       3     Tho*  stretcht  on  earth  he  lie  a  breathless  corse, 
^-       ^     The  maa  I  lov'd,  I  never  will  betray^ 

He  who  henceforth  in  the  same  censure  blends 
All  women,  is  perverse  and  void  of  wisdom : 
Great  is  their  number;  many  wilt  thou  find 
Corrupt,  but  others,  like  this  virtuous  Dame, 
Endued  with  the  most  elevated  soul. 

B,        8     There's  nothing  strange,  alas  !   in  what  thou  say'st, 
M.       4     That  he  who  is  a  mortal  should  be  wretched. 

^       2     2y  foolish  hopes  mankind  are  oft  beguiPd. 

S?      ^^     Sufferings  like  his  both  thee  and  all  await 

j>-  What  strong  effects  do  ye,  O  Children,  work 

Like  magic  pliiltres  on  the  soul  of  man ! 


B.       d 
M.       1 


RHADAMANTHUS. 

By  various  passions  are  our  lives  engross'd  ; 
One  craves  nobility,  another  cares  not 
For  titles^  but  is  anxious  to  be  call'd 
The  founder  of  a  wealthy  house ;  he  too 
g^       ^     Who  from  his  soul  ne'er  spoke  an  honest  truth, 
M.       9     Delights  by  mere  effrontery  to  persuade 

All  those  around  him  ;  some  at  the  expence 
Of  virtue  seek'base  lucres  thus  the  life 
Of  man  is  all  one  error.     But  I  wish 
For  nought  beyond  an  honourable  name. 

Who  in  Eubcea's  neighbouring  region  dwell. 


assa 


(46)  STHENOBOEA. 

'       ^    •T«&HE*s  no  man  who  in  all  respects  is  blest : 

M»         1 

(46)  ^  Stheootxea^  daughter  of  lobates,  king  of  L^cia,  ^ftejr  her 
'J  maniage  to  Prcetus  king  of  Argos,  entertained  an  wilawfU  |>as8ipB 


FRAGMENTS. 

Either  lie*s  nobly  born,  yet  poor ;  or  spi-ung 
From  abject  fathers  tills  a  fruitful  serf. 

So  void  is  Love  of  reason,  that  the  more 
We  counsel  him,  he  but  the  more  afflicts  us. 

The  wandering  life  of  matriners  atfbtds 

No  sumptuous  table,  but  a  lowly  hut 

Built  on  the  shore ;  we  plough  our  watry  Mother, 

The  Ocean,  whom  no  rude  foot  tramples  on ; 

Aided  by  net^  and  barbed  hooks,  from  her 

A  sustenance  to  our  abode  we  drag. 

With  every  tuneful  accent,  winning  Love 
Inspires  the  mute  the  unnarmonious  tongue. 
And  makes  the  man  who  was  an  ideot  wise. 

Tho'  Fortune  smile  not,  antient  proverbs  tell^ 
By  industry  man's  sorrows  are  assuag'd. 

(47)  Whatever  she  from  her  hand  by  chance  let  fall, 
"  This  I  devote,**  she  instantly  exclaim'd, 
''  To  the  deceased,  to  our  Athenian  guest.'* 

"  for  her  Hnsba^d's  ^est  Bellerophon  6f  Corinth :  upon  his  refusing  to 
<<  listen  to  her,  she  ililsely  complained  to  her  Husband  of  his  having  of- 
^  fered  violence  to  her.  Proetos,  dreading  to  infringe  the  laws  of  ho». 
'^  pitalitj,  sent  him  to  his  Father-in-law  with  letters,  desiring  him  to  kill 
"  the  b^urer :  hence  came  the  proverb.  <^  Bellerophon's  letters/'  sig. 
<'  nifying  those  wliidi  make  slgainst  the  ^rsoli  who  conveys  them.  But 
*'  after  he  had  slain  the  Chinuera  and  the  Lycians,  who  lay  in  ftmbnah  to 
**  destroy  him;  Bellerophon's  innocence  appeared  in  so  satisfactoiy  a' 
'^  light  to  lobates,  that  he  gave  him  one  of  his  Daughters  (whose  name^ 
**  according  to  Apollodofus,  was  Philonoe)  in  marriage :  and  Sthenobcea, 
*'  unable  to  endure  the  iniamy  in  which  she  had  involved  herself,  ended 
<<  her  life  b^  drinking  hemlock.  This  history  is  in  the  6tfa  book  of  Homer's 
*^  Iliad,  excepting  that  Proetus's  Wife  is  there  called  Antaea."  Barnes; 
(47)  It  was  customary  among  the  antients  to  devote  whatever  acci- 
dentally fell  from  the  table  at  their  banquets  to  thefr  (feceased  friends  i 
in  these  two  linte  we  may  suppose  the  Chorus,  which  probably  CoiK' 
sisted  of  Sthenobcea's  attendants,  to  be  speaking  of  their  Mistress  at  the 
time  she  apprehended  BeUerophon  to  have  perished  in  l«ycia  through^ 
the  stratagems  she  had  devised  against  him,  and  was  stong  with  remorse 
for  her  perfidious  conduct.    The  two  last  lines  m  this  piec^;^  whioli  foiw 

c  c  S 


S87 


M. 


4 

6 


6 

3 


H. 

If 

M. 

8 

h. 

15 

M. 

5 

B. 

19 

M. 

4 

388  FRAGMENTS. 

B.      21      Cany  her  in  :  he  who  is  truly  wise 
M.  On  female  honour  never  will  rely. 


M.       1 


SISYPHUS. 

Theke  was  a  time,  when  free  from  all  restraint 
B.       1     Of  law,  by  force  alone,  Man  like  the  brutes 
Was  govern'cl ;  on  the  virtuous,  no  reward. 
No  chastisement  attended  on  the  wicked. 
But  after  this,  it  seems,  were  penal  edicts 
Devis'd,  that  Justice,  mighty  Queen,  might  rule 
The  human  race,  and  in  subjection  hold 
Audacious  rapine  ;  whosoe'er  transgress'd 
Was  punish 'd.    After  these  severer  laws  - 
Each  deed  of  open  violence  had  .curbed. 
And  they  trgnsgress'd  more  secretly,  there  seems 
To  have  arisen  one  endued  wiih  craft. 
And  vers'd  in  stratagems,  who  finding  out 
A  mode  of  striking  with  dismay  those  sinners 
Who  either  acted,  spoke,  or  thought  an}iss 
In  private  ;  introduced  that  new  machine 
Religion,  and  asserted,  that  '^  a  God 
*'  Who  flourishes  in  everlasting  bloom, 
'^  Fraught  with  a  penetrating  soul,  hears,  sees, 
''  Marks  all  these  foul  misdeeds,  and  in  his  memory 
'^  Retains  them ;   lie  by  nature  is  divine, 
'^  No  word  that  mortals  utter,  can  escape 
^'  His  ears,  his  eyes  discern  each  impious  action :' 
'^  Whatever  mischief  thou  in  silence  plann'st, 
'^Can  ne'er  escape  the  blest  immortal  Powers, 
''  For  boundless  is  their  knowledge."     By  such  tales 
As  these,  th'  impostor  introduced  with  ease 

a  detached  Fragment,  are  tlie  language  Kkely  for  Prcetus  to  have  madt 
uie  rf  on  detecting  the  guilt  of  Ws  "Wife  Sthenojjcea. 


FRAGMENTC.  S89 

His  sweet  and  specious  doctrines^  mingling  truth 

With  falsbood  ;  and  resolved  to  strike  tbe  souls 

Of  mortals  with  astonishment,  pretended 

The  Gods  there  dwell,  whence  weli  he  knew  those  fears 

Which  vex  mankind  originate,  those  toils 

Which  make  life  wretched  :   this  he  strove  to  shew 

By  planetaiy  motions,  by  tbe  flash 

Of  lightning,  by  the  thunder's  dreadful  somid, 

And  the  fair  face  of  Heaven  o'erspread  with  stars. 

Stupendous  workmanship  of  Time,  sage  artist, 

Wrought  by  whose  hand  the  glmving  Sun  performs 

His  course  unwearied,  and  the  genial  showers 

Moisten  the  ground.     He  with  such  terrors  caught 

The  race  of  men ;  on  their  account,  in  words 

Did  he  extol,  and  in  tbe  blest  ahodes 

Cause  his  pretended  Dieities  to  dwell, 

Extingursbing  injustice  by  the  law^. 

E*en  thus  mankind  were  at  the  first  I  deem. 

Persuaded  that  the  race  of  Gods  exist. 

Brave  offspring  of  Alcmena,  I  rejoice 

That  thou  art  come,  and  that  yon  miscreant's  slain. 


B. 

41 

M. 

2 

B. 

43 

M. 

5 

TSS, 


(48)  SCI  RON. 

To  punish  villains  is  a  glorious  task.  ®-       ^ 

M.        4 

(48)  The  robber  Sciron,  from  whom  this  piece  (of  which  are  very 
few  Fragments  remaining)  derives  its  name,  infested  the  borders  of  At- 
tica, near  the  sea-shore  between  Megaia  and  Crointb :  hewosslfiin  by 
Theseus,  as  mentioned  in  the  Hippolytns  of  onr  author.  But  tliis  and 
the  preceding  piece  of  Sisyphus  are  called  Satyrical  from  tiie  the  Satyrs, 
who  probably  (as  in  the  Cyclops,  which  is  transmitted  down  to  us  entire) 
constituted  the  Chorus.  The  two  prmcipal  passages  which  remain  of  the 
Sciron  are  preserved  by  Julius  PoUiut,  and  also  inserted  in  Causabon^ 
De  Poesi  Satyrica,  p.  142.  ed.  Rambach  ;  they  are  the  1st  and  5th  in 
Dr.  Musgrave's  edition,  but  Barnes  has  inserted  only  the  first :  after  ex- 
amining them  with  the  assistance  of  the  comments  and  interpretations, 
I  find  myself  incapable  of  exhibiting  them  to  any  advantage  in  an  £ng. 
lish  dress. 


9po  FRAGMENTS. 

THE  DAMSELS  OF  SCYROS. 

How  various  are  the  fortunes  of  mankind! 

Some  prosper,  but  o'er  others  who  revere 
^'       ^     The  immortal  Gods,  malignant  fatesjmpendjr 
^*       *     Tho'  they  with  anxious  circi^m^pection  lead 

A  life  of  ji)^tioe  pure  from  every  stain. 

^'       ^     They  who  are  wise  conceal  their  own  disgrace. 

PHYSICIAN. 

Your  (49)  Daughter  is  diseased,  her  life's  in  danger. 

I^YCOMEDES. 
What  is  her  malady  ?  a  bilious  cough 
M. Inc. 95  ^^^^  ^^^  oppressive  pleurisy  combined) 

Such  foes  her  frame's  too  tender  to  withstand, 

ULYSSES  to  Achilles. 
B.  A^^  Sprung  from  the  i^oblest  Sire,  by  carding  wool 
p.  5  J  '  Dost  thou  bely  the  glories  of  thy  race  ? 


B.       7 
M.        1 


S  Y  L  E  U  S. 

B.Oilepii  Those  who  were  just,  be  favoured,  but  on  earth 
M.         1  The  wicked  had  not  such  a  bitter  foe. 

MERCURY  tpeaking  qf  Hbrcules. 

In  him  there'it  nothing  abject,  but  his  mien 
Doth  on  the  contrary  bespeak  a  rank 
^  The  most  exalted ;  he  disdains  to  crouch, 

M.      3     ^^^  ^^  ^'^  S^'^  unwi^ldly  like  a  slave. 

Thou  seest  the  splendor  of  the  garb  he  wears. 
And  with  that  club  performs  he  mighty  deeds. 

(49)  Deidamia,  then  pregnant  by  Achine?,  who  concealed  binMelf 
under  a  female  habit  at  the  palace  of  Lycomedef,  king  of  the  kland  of 
Scyrot. 


fragments; 


S9I 


It  can  be  no  man's  wish  to  purchase  lords 
Superior  to  himself,  and  introduce  them 
Into  his  house:  but  ihee  whoe'er  bebpMs 
With  fear  is  smitten^   for  those  eyes  dart  fire, 
As  by  the  lion  when  the  raging  bull 
Expects  to  b^  assaulted.     Thou  art  silent; 
Yet  ere  thou  speak'st,  thy  manner  plainly  shews 
To  my  behests  thou  never  Vilt  attend. 
But  art  dispos'd  to  govern,  not  obey. 

HERCULES. 

Burn,  (50)  eat  my  flesh,  and  drink  my  blood  to  quench 

Thy  execrable  thirst :  but  first  the  stars    * 

Shall  sink  into  the  bowels  of  the  earth, 

And  earth  ascend  the  skies,  ere  thou  from  me 

One  woyd  of  abject  flattery  shalt  extort. 

HERCULES. 
Sit  down,  apd  let  us  drink ;  without  dplqy,  .      , 
That  o'er  the  foaming  goblet  thou  may'st  make 
A  trial,  if  to  me  thou  art  superior. 

The  dictates  of  my  conscierice  well  I  kiro\f 
How  to  obey,  how  rule  ray  stubborn  will. 
By  poising  every  deed  in  virtue's  scale. 

TELEPHUS. 

Plac'd  (51)  in  the  center  of  those  realms  which  bear 
The  name  of  Pelops,   O  my  native  Jand^ 


p. 
M. 


M. 


B. 


9 

4 


16 
4 


10 

0 


19 
5 


B.        2L 


B.        21 


(50)  The  first  Ifne  of  tlifs  passs^ge  as  it  stands  in  Barnes,  Carmelli,  ^%nd 
Dr.  Mttsgrave,  b^ing 

which  has  already  occurred  in  tlie  celebrated  iqpeech  of  Eteocles  in  the 
Phoenician  Damsels,  y*624,  and  carries  with  it,  as  I  appreji^nded,  the 
strongest  appearance  of  being  interpolated  here,  I  referred  to  Phi^ 
JudasQS,  p.  6^,  ed.  Tumebi,  and  fijKihig  there  the  following  four  line^ 
without  it,  was  thence  confirmed  in  my  opinion. 

(51)  Tlie  word  o^^f7ai,  which  is  rendered  disi^-^i^iU  both  in  Barnes 
and  Hudsoa's  edition  of  Dioi^sins  Halicarnas^nsis,  seems  in  this  place 
to  mean,  borders  on  every  sidCj  Arcadia  being  ti^e  inland  r^ion.  of  the 


SM  FRAGMENTS. 


B.        1 


All  hail ;  and  thou  who  tread*dt  the  frozen  rock 
Of  Aicady,  from  whose  illustrious  race 
^^       ^      I  boast  my  origin,  for  me  in  secret, 
Auge  the  Daughter  of  Aleius  bore 
To  the  Tirynthian  Hercules,  Parthenins 
Can  witness,  for  Lucina  there  relcas'd 
My  Mother  from  the  burden  of  her  womb* 

Go  wheresoe'er  you  list :  in  Helen's  cause 
I  will  not  perish. 

For  I  to  day  must  personate  a  beggar, 
And  still  remain,  but  seem  not,  what  I  am. 

Condemn  me  not,  ye  sovereign  lords  of  Greece, 
Poor  as  I  am,  if  I  presume  to  speak 
Among  the  mighty. 

Wh^t,  shall  we  Greeks  turn  slaves  to  vile  Barbarians  J 
He's  wicked  who  receives  thee  for  bis  guest. 

0  Agamemnon,  with  uplifted  axe, 
Tho'  at  my  neck  some  foe  should  aim  the  wound, 

1  never  would  be  silent :  on  just  grounds 
Since  I  my  opposition  can  maintain. 

Peldponesos.  Dr.  Musgr^ye's  proposed  reading  and  version  is  o^tf^oc, 
coDsociavit,  and  iu  the  beginning  of  the  third  line  he  inserts  lUef :  Pan 
was  indeed  tlie  God  of  Arcadia ;  but  neither  is  it  pointed  ont  to  us,  nor 
am  I  able  to  trace  how  Telephus  could  boast  of  his  descent  from  Pan 
in  consequence  of  his  being  the  son  of  Hercules  and  Auge  :  Heath,  with 
much  greater  appearance  of  reason,  supposes  this  to  be  addressed  to 
Jupiter,  who  is  frequently  by  antient  writers  called  Lyca»an,  from  his 
haunting  the  mountain  Lycaeus  in  Arcadia,  which,  according  to  Strabo, 
was  the  place  where  Rhea  bore  him.  The  immediate  descent  of  Her- 
cules from  Jupiter  and  Alcmena  is  too  well  known  to  need  repetition ; 
and  Auge  appears  to  have  been  tlie  Great-Grandaughter  of  Areas,  son  of 
Jupiter  and  Calisto.  Parthenius  is  also  taken  notice  of  by  Strabo  in  his 
enumeration  of  the  principal  mountains  of  Arcadia.  Telephus  beoame 
king  of  Mysia,  and  was  wounded  by  Acliilles  in  defending  his  country 
against  the  Greeks  in  then*  passage  to  Troy.  The  scene  of  this  Tragedy 
is  supposed  to  be  Argos.    . 


B. 

8 

M. 

3 

B. 

10 

M. 

8 

B. 

12 

M. 

11 

B. 

14 

M. 

SS 

B. 

15 

M. 

24 

B. 

16 

M. 

16 

TENNIS. 


Alas,  there  is  no  justice  to  be  found 

In  this  abanclon'd  age^  and  one  wise  man 

Perishes  'midst  a  multitude  of  sinners. 


TEMENID^. 


B. 

19 

B. 

30 
18 

B. 

21 

M. 

19 

B. 

25 

M.. 

21 

FRAGMENTS.  59S 

Tis  time  thy  reason  should  thy  wrath  subdue. 

They  who  would  prosper  must  submit  to  toil. 

For  not  Ulysses  only  is  endued 

With  eloquence  ;  necessity  instructs 

The  man  of  slowest  parts,  and  makes  him  wise* 

Let  thy  firm  soul  its  courage  still  retain, 
Tho'  thy  designs  are  thwarted  by  the  Gods. 

What  can  my  wealth  avail  me  when  diseas'd  ?  M.     22 

• 

Rather  would  I  possess  from  day  to  day 

A  scanty  sustenance,  and  lead  a  life  3,      24 

Exempt  from  sorrow,  than  by  heaps  of  gold  M.      22 

Surrounded,  groan  beneath  the  pangs  of  sickpess* 

His  oars  he  plies^  and  landing  on  the  coast  ^J      ^ 

Of  Mysia,  by  an  hostile  arm  is  wounded. 

But  why,  O  wretch,  to  him  wilt  thou  attend  ?  M.     lo 

O  ihou  illustrious  matron,  o'er  this  deed 

These  counsels,  who  presid'st,.why  cora*st  thou  forth      m.     15 

From  thy  abodes  with  bro>ys  by  grief  o'erca^t  ? 


B.        1 
M.        1 


Tho'  a  man  die,  his  virtues  unimpaired 

Still  flourish  when  the  body  is  no  more  :  B.        i 

But  with  the  wicked,  all  they  have  lies  buried.  ^      ^ 


/ 


394  PflAOMBNTS, 

With  stedfastness  and  confidence  to  sp^ak 
The  dictates  of  unbia^s'd  truth,  is  glorioa&, 

By  far  more  beneficial  to  mankind 
Is  modesty  than  anger. 

The  God  of  Battles  is  not  always  wont 
To  be  propitious^  with  delight  be  views 
The  fall  of  many  a  valiant  youth,  but  hates 
All  cowards  :  this  disaster  will  afiect 
The  city,  but  prove  glorious  to  the  dead. 

There  is  no  bliss  on  earth  that  can  exceed 

The  ChiePs  who  conquers  in  th'  ensanguined  field, 

But  we  our  utmost  courage  must  exert. 
For  seasonable  labour  is  the  source 
Whence  flows  abundant  happiness  to  man. 

Whoe'er  is  void  of  wisdom,  shrinks  unnerved 
With  fear,  when  dangers  compass  him  around ; 
But  grows  presumptuous  from  the  least  success^ 

Thus  sbalt  thou  rule :  a  General  it  behoves 
Both  to  be  just  and  watchful  o*er  his  host. 

Strength  void  of  wisd6m  often  proves  a  curse* 

How  great  the  reputatipq  and  esteem 
Of  those  who  spring  from  an  illustrious  Sire  ! 
Tho'  poor,  the  man  of  high  descent  inherits 
Some  portion  of  renown,  and  to  his  soul 
Oft  as  his  Father's  generous  deeds  occur. 
He  emulates  the  glories  of  his  race. 

Many  there  are,  tho'  bom  with  manly  souls. 
Who  by  calamity  o'erpower'd,  can  fiiid 
No  opportunity  to  shew  their  worth. 

B.      S3     Death  is  the  common  lot  of  all  mankind, 
!lt     IS     Nature  h^th  framed  us  mortal,  none  escape 


B. 
M. 

10 

f 

B. 

It 

4 

B. 
M. 

is 

6 

B. 
M. 

16 

4 

B. 
M. 

17 

B. 
M. 

20 
16 

B. 

2S 

10 

B. 

24 
11 

B. 
M. 

26 
13 

B.       13 
M.      14 


H. 


PRAGMENTS.  305 

This  sentence^  for  it  is  not  in  the  power 

Of  Chance  to  frustrate  what  the  Fates  ordain* 

They  who  their  country  love,  should  in  their  words 
And  actions  labour  to  promote  its  safety. 

In  my  opinion  'tis  the  General's  part  ^'iA^im 

To  know  where  lies  the  weakness  of  his  foe.  m.     '9 

Blest  is  each  city  in  that  wide  domain,  ^      ^ 

From  honoured  Pelops  which  derives  its  name.  m.     ir 

The  hind  .with  horns  of  gold  the  (52)  Chief  pursued, 

Ordaiii'd  a  miffhtv  conflict  to  endure,  B.Addenda 

Over  the  craggy  mountains,  thro*  the  meads  v^   *^' 

And  groves  where  shepherds  tend  their  fleecy  charge*  ' 


HYPSIPYLE. 

Bacchus,  who  waves  his  thyrsus,  and  is  clad 
In  the  stag's  dappled  hide,  while  round  him  blaze  ^*       * 

A  thousand  torches,  with  the  Delphic  maids  "       ^ 

On  steep  Parnassus  leads  the  choral  dance. 

The  wicked  value  justice  less  than  gain.  ®*       f 

Since  there's  no  object  plac*d  above  her  reach,  g^       g 

Let  Hope  anticipate  each  blest  event.  ]M.       a 

O  woman,  my  advice  receive  ;  to  grief 

Is  every  Mortal  subject,  he  inters 

His  children,  then  begets  a  seicond  race. 

Then  dies;  in  bitterness  of  soul  his  comrades  ^^       f 

Dust  unto  dust  consign  ;  tbu^  by  tlie  Fates  m.       4 

Is  it  decreed,  that  life  like  bearded  grain. 

Must  be  mown  down^  that  while  one  flourishes 

Another  nxust  decay.     But  why  bewai} 


596  FRAGMENTS. 

The  joarney  nature  forces  ns  to  take  2 
For  DO  event  can  to  the  hnman  race 

Be  dreadful  which  necessity  ordains. 

B.  Add. 
p.  542     When  free  from  anger,  all  men  are  more  wise. 

Seafed  on  earth,  flower  after  flower  she  cropp'd 
With  all  the  eagerness  of  childish  joy. 

A  (53)  limpid  strieam  I  to  the  Greeks  will  shew. 

Look  there,  and  raising  high  towards  Heaven  thine  eyes 
Observe  those  pictures  which  the  roof  adorn. 


Jfl-       7 


B.       19 
M.      10 

M.      11 


B. 


■91 


PHAETON. 


B.        1 
M.        S 


The  land  which  yields  us  nurture  is  our  country. 

But  whether  Thebes  or  Argbs  gave  me  birth 
It  matters  not,  of  neither  will  I  boast ; 
That  I'm  a  Grecian  is  my  only  pride. 

The  ship  when  by  a  single  anchor  fix'd 
B,       4     Is  less  secure  than  if  you  cast  forth  three  : 
M.      4     One  Ruler  causes  peril  to  the  city ; 

But  from  divided  power  no  harm  ensues. 

• 

A  grievous  curse,  yet  natural  to  the  rich. 
Is  folly.     What's  the  cause  of  this?,  depriv'd 
B.       7     Of  sight  himself,  doth  Plutus  cast  a  shade 
^*       ^     Over  their  faculties  ?  from  Fortune's  gifts 
Doth  total  blindness  of  the  soul  ensue  ? 

Unskilful  as  thou  art,  ray  Son,  the  reins 
•,*       ^     Forbear  to  handle,  or  ascend  the  car 

Thou  ne'er  hast  been  instructed  how  to  drive. 

(53)  The  three  lines  immediately  preceding  this  in  Bamesy  are  hr- 
serted  in  Stobaens,  p.  106.  ed.^Grotii,  as  the  prodactioQ  of  an  unknown 
writer,  and  are  omitted  by  D#.  Mosgrave. 


:fragmep^ts.  397 


The  air  of  Libya  enter  not,  which  void 

Of  moisture,  will  depress  thy  glowing  wheels 

And  make  them  sink  to  earth. 


B;       13 
M.       r 


B.       f6 

M.        1 


But  to  the  sevenfold  Pleiades  direct 

Thy  course.   He  heard,  then  seiz'd  the  reins,  and  smote 

With  sounding  thong  the  winged  steeds  ;  they  flew        B,      16 

Thro'  the  etherial  height;  behind  them  came  M.       8 

The  anxious  Sire  admonishing  his  Son ; 

"  Turn  thence  or  hither  guide  thy  fervid  wheels.*' 

Placed  high  above  the  Earth  the  flame  intense  ^^      ^3 

Of  royal  Phoebus  distant  objects  burns^  M,  13  14 

But  to  those  near  him  gives  a  temperate  warmth. 

••-That  Clymene  in  marriage  was  bestowed 
On  Merops  sovereign  of  this  land,  where  first 
Borne  in  a  car  drawn  by  four  rapid  steeds. 
The  Sun  darts  forth  his  beams ;  the  radiant  East, 
And  station  of  the  solar  steeds,  are  names 
Which  from  our  swarthy  Deighl>oiirs  it  receives. 

Tho'  freedom  be  the  birthright  of  that  man. 

Yet  to  his  Wife  is  he  an  abject  slave, 

Lur'd  by  whose  plenteous  dower  himself  he  sold. 

Him  spreading  trees  with  friendly  arms  embrace. 

0  Sun,  who  pour'st  thy  golden  beams  around. 
How  hast  thou  ruin'd  me,  and  hence  *tis  plain,    . 
That  thou  art  call'd  Apollo  by  mankind. 

That  Sire  I  with  the  worst  of  ideots  class. 
Who  to  his  Sons,  tho*  rash  and  indiscreet, 
Or  the  misguided  people,  yields  up  power. 

1  hate  the  polisVd  bow ;  curse  on  the  spear,  p'rf^^'sa 
And  those  loath'd  scenes  where  vigorous  wrestlers  strive*  -^  '  ^^ 

He  to  my  sotil  was  dear  :  but  now  his  corse 
Rots  undistinguish'd  in  the  silent  grave. 


B. 

51 

M. 

15 

B. 

35 

M. 

12 

B. 

34 

M. 

10 

B. 

3d 

M. 

3 

SD8  FRAGMENTS. 


P  H  iE  D  R  A. 

IThe  tyrant  Love  invades  not  man  aloney 
Or  woman ;  but  with  tumult  fills  the  souls 
B.       1     Of  the  immortal  Powers  in  Heaven  above^ 
M*      1      And  enters  the  recesses  of  the  deep ; 

Nor^  tho'  omnipotent^  can  Jove  himself 
Controll  this  victor^  but  to  his  behests. 
Without  reluctance,  doth  the  Thunderer  yield. 


B.        1 


B.        6 
M.      10 


B.       10 
M.      13 


PHILOCTET]^& 

Why  indolently  seated  on  your  chairsy 
Pretend  ye  know  the  counsels  of  the  Gods  i 
The  language  ye  have  utlei^'d,  is  devis'd 
By  man :  for  he  who  boasts  that  he  knows  aught 
About  the  Gods^  deserves  not,  nor  obtains 
The  credence  he  solicits  from  the  world. 

ULYSSES. 
But  as  our  bodies  are  of  mortal  fram^. 
It  much  behoves  the  man  who  is  endued 
With  wisdom^  not  t*  indulge  immortal  afager. 

,  The  prosperous  fortunes  of  his  native  land 
Add  greater  honour  to  the  happy  man. 
But  serve  to  make  th'  unhappy  yet  mote  wretched. 


Thrice  blest  is  he,  crown'd  with  victorious  wreaths, 
?,*     ^^     Who  stays  at  home :  the  merchant,  when  his  freight 
Is  litnded,  thus  unfurls  his  sails  no  more. 


H.        8 


14 


They  whose  unbridled  love  o'erleaps  the  bounds 
Of  reason,  are  immoderate  in  their  hate. 


FRAGMENTS,  399 

It  is  enough:  thy  long  career^ 

O  Life,  now  end,  ere  Fortune  veer,  ^^ 

And  either  rob  me  of  my  wealth,  '       • ' 

Or  le^ve  me  destitute  of  health. 

iULYSSES. 

How  shall  I  judge  aright,  exempt  from  toil, 

-And  numbered  with  the  vulgar  in  an  host. 

When  I  such  prosperous  fortunes  might  enjoy  B.20,$7yt« 

On  equal  terms  with  him  who  was  most  wise  ?  ^*  "^ 

But  there  is  nought  so  vain  as  man  :  for  those 

Who  cannot  rest,  and  are  the  most  officious 

We  all  admire,  and  the  whole  city  joins. 

With  one  assenting  voice,  to  style  them  men. 

ULYSSES. 
But  I  am  loth  to  forfeit  the  renown  B.      ts 

Gain'd  by  my  past  exploits,  and  for  this  cause  M,       t 

Refuse  not  the  fresh  toils  allotted  me. 

TROJAN  ^  AMBASSADOR. 

See  too,  how  gain  among  the  Gods  themselves 

Is  honourable :  for  duteous  homage  waits  ^ 

On  him  who  in  his  temple  hath  most  gold.  -^ 

What  therefore  can  forbid  thee  to  receive 

The  profFer'd  bribe,  and  imitate  the  Gods  ? 

PHILOCTETES. 
Yet  thro'  a  length  of  time  hath  my  disease 
Abated ;  with  intolerable  pain 

At  first  the  caticer  rag'd,  by  slow  degrees  ♦  '   ' 

The  flesh  of  my  disabled  foot  consuming. 

I  am  resolv'd  to  speak,  tho'  to  himself 
He  seem  to  have  confuted  me,  and  prov'd 
That  he  is  wrong'd  ;  but  to  my  voice  attend. 
And  thou  shalt  learn  the  merits  of  my  cause : 
He  too  his  crimes  will  by  his  words  betray. 

Should  the  whole  Grecian  host  be  mute,  and  suffer 
Barbarians  to  say  all  they  list,  'twere  base. 


B.       3S 


B. 

35 

M. 

13. 

B. 

39. 

M, 

9 

400  FIIAGMENTS, 


B.  Adden. 
da^  p.  552. 


M.      11 


Thee,  by  the  name  of  Paean,  I  invoke 
Scorn  not,  O  Death,  to  visit  tne ;  for  thou 
Art  the  physician  who  alone  canst  heal 
Incurable  diseases,  since  no  grief 
Reaches  the  tianquil  mansions  of  the  dead. 

Biit  who  will  e'er  consent  to  be  thy  bride. 
What  blooming  maid  receive  thee. to  her  arms  f 
O  wretch,  thou  art  well  qualified  for  marriage ! 


PHOENIX. 


B.        1 
M.       1 


B.        3 
M.        9 


Tis  just  to  guess  at  what  we  cannot  see* 

Full  oft  have  I  been  chosen  to  decide 

A  contest,  when  the  witnesses  I  found,  . 

In  the  account  they  gave  of  the  stame  fact^ 

Each  other  contradicting  :  but  the  methods 

By  which  I  caa  discern  the  man  endued 

With  wisdom  and  veracity,  are  these  ; 

I  note  his  temper,  and  the  course  of  life 

W  hich  he  prefers,  but  I  forbear  to  ask 

Of  him  who  loves  t'  associate  with  the  wicked 

One  question,  knowing  he  is  like  those  comrades 

In  whom  he  places  his  supreme  delight. 

B»        12   ^o  s^i^s  obstruct  the  rapid  eagle's  flight, 

M.I11C.  37   And  on  each  shore  the  brave  man  finds  bis  country. 

Tho'  I  no  homage  can  to  Envy  yield, 
Yet  fain  would  I  be  cnvy*d  for  my  virtues* 

Hail,  O  thou  native  region  of  my  Sires: 

For  there  is  nought  which  man,  altho'  beneath 

The  load  of  his  calamities  o'erwhelm'd, 

Holds  dearer  than  the  land  which  nurtur*d  him. 

B«       19 

M  Tde-     Your  lot  is  Sparta,  to  the  Spartan  throne 

phus  20    Add  lustre ;  but  Mycene's  realm  is  mine. 


B. 

14 

M. 

2 

B. 

16 

M. 

3 

FRAGMENTS.  4ai 

The  aged  Husband  to  his  youthful  Bride 
Is  loathsome;  he  too,  in  the  wane  of  life 
Who  weds  unseasonably,  begets  a  race 
Of  sons  from  whom  no  comfort  he  derives : 
For  the  proiid  Wife  her  feeble  dotard  rulefs. 

And  of  all  mischiefs  Woman  is  the  worst. 

Still  Nature  her  pre-eminence  maintains  j 
For  by  the  aid  of  virtuous  Education 
Can  no  man  ever  make  what's  evil,  good. 

Old  age,  how  great  a  curse  art  thou  to  those 
Who  groan  opprest  beneath  thy  ponderous  yoke ! 


m 


B. 

21 

M. 

5,  4 

B. 

2.9 

M. 

6 

B. 

26 

M. 

7 

B. 

• 
28 

M. 

8 

B. 

1 

M. 

1 

B. 

S 

M. 

s 

B. 

4 

M. 

6 

P  H  R  I  X  U  S, 

ERst/  leaving  Sidon's  walls,  Agenor's  Son, 
Great  Cadmus,  to  the  Theban  region  came. 

Let'  Hope  thy  life  sustain^  make  Hope  thy  food. 

If  I,  tho'  pious,  meet  with  the  sante  fate 
As  impious  mortals,  how  can  this  be  right  i 
Hath  gracious  Jove  then  lost  all  sense  of  justice  ? 

Whoever  thinks,  tho'  daily  he  offend, 
,  That  he  shall  ^scape  th'  observance  of  the  Gods, 
Judges  amiss,  and  finds  himself  entangled 
In  his  own  craft :  for  soon  as  Justice  finds 
An  hour  for  retribution,  he  endures  B.      7 

The  punishment  his  foul  misdeeds  deserve.  I^«      * 

Look  to  it,  ye  who  fancy  there  exists 
No  Deity,  by  such  perverse  abuse 
Of  reason  sinning  doubly  :  for  there  is^ 
There  is  a  God*     But  if  the  wicked  man 

# 

Should  prove  successful,  let  him  make  the  most 
Of  his  short  time,  for  he  at  last  shall  suffer. 

VOL.  III.  D  p 


B. 

17 

M. 

t 

B. 

18 

M. 

8 

B. 

20 

M. 

9 

B. 

21 

M. 

10 

B. 

23 

M. 

11 

40«  FRAGMENTS. 

That  hind  the  antient  servant  of  our  house. 

Thou  dost  presume  to  call  thyself  a  man, 
Yet  to  be  branded  with  a  coward's  name 
Is  a  reproach  to  manhood  most  disgraceful. 

For  numberless  inhabitants,  not  walls 
Dispeopled,  are  what  constitute  a  city. 

Tho*  base  in  name,  full  many  slaves  have  souls 
More  free  than  those  who  ne'er  knew  servitude. 

A  Wife's  the  greatest  comfort  to  her  Lord, 
When  bari'ass'd  by  affliction  or  disease. 
If  she  with  prudence  rule  his  household,  calm 
His  wrath,  and  banish  from  his  tortur'd  soul 
A  load  of  grief;  for  sweet  from  .those  we  love 
Is  the  deception  of  those  soothing  arts. 

Against  her  Husband's  spurious  race,  'tis  said, 

A  stepdame  harbours  mischievous  designs  : 

I  therefore  these  reproaches  will  avoid.    .    .  :    ' , 

Well  hath  she  spoken,  for  a  Wife  is  bound 
To  share  each  change  of  fortune  with  her  Lord. 

By  far  more  beneficial  to  n^ankind 

Is  a  small  fortune  gain'd  without  reproach, 

Than  rear'd  by  guilt,  the  tow'ring  roof  of  wealth. 

Transformed  into  a  Bull,  Jove  bore  away 
The  fond  Europa  from  her  native  coast. 

But  who  knows  whether  that  which  is  call'd  Death 

Be  not  the  road  to  a  new  Life,  and  Life 

A  real  Death  ?  diseases  are  confiu'd 

To  those  who  view  the  sun  ;  but  the  deceas'd 

Are  strangers  to  calamity  or  sickness. 

This  disposition,  in  the  race  of  man, 
j^      gg      By  nature  is  implanted  :   tho'  their  lives 
M.     16      Are  forfeited  to  justice,  we  all  weep 

With  equal  grief  for  our  departed  friends. 


B. 
M. 

27 
12 

B. 
M. 

29 
13 

B. 

M. 

31 
14 

B.       33 


B..      94 

M*       15 


FRAGMENXa 

To  ope  his  well-stor'd  granarieis  he  refus'd. 

Agenor'9  Sons  were  Cilix,  from  whose  name 
The  land  in  which  he  dwelt  was  call'd  Cilicia, 
Phoenix  the  founder  of  Phoenicia's  realm^ 
AndThasus.  '  ^ 


403 

41 

4 


B.  Addeb' 
da,  p.5«2 

M,        1 


CHRYSIPPUS. 

Earth's  spacious  round,  and  Jove's  domain  the  Air, 

This  is  the  Sire  of  men  and  Gods,  but  that 

Receiving  in  her  Idp  the  nioistening  drops 

Of  genial  rain,  brings  forth  the  human  race, 

Brings  forth  the  foodful  grain,  and  every  tribe 

Of  savage  beasts;  hence  is  she  justly  styl'd 

The  universal  Mother.    AH  that  Earth 

Produc'd,  to  Earth  returns  :  whatever  derives 

From  an  Etherial  origin  its  birth. 

Again  is  wafted  to  the  starry  pole : 

For  nought  that  once  existed  e'er  can  die ; 

But  from  extraneous  substance  are  they  purg'd, 

And  each  resumes  its  own  peculiar  form. 

My  friend  may  wisdom's  choicest  treasures  grace, 

Added  to  manly  courage ;  for  I  rather 

Would  be  deform'd,  than  beauteous  and  a  dastard. 

No  mortal,  O  my  Lord,   6an  tell  the  bounds 
Or  of  his  prosperous  or  his  adverse  fortune^ 


B. 


1 
7 


B. 
M. 

B. 
M. 


13 

3 

15 

4 


*A 


(54)  TRAGEDIES,   the  names   unknoItn- 

High  o'er  thy  head  thou  seest  the  boundless  Air, 
Which  with  its  dripping  arms  infolds  the  Earth, 
Call  this  thy  Jove,  this  for  thy  God  revere. 

(54)  Besides  several  transpositions  mentioned  in  the  notes  and  jnargin, 
I  find,  that,  of  the  veries  inserted  in  Barnes's  edition  among  the  Trai^ 

DBS 


B. 
M. 


1 
1 


B>         4 
M.        2 


464  FRAGMENTS. 

Fear  not  lest  Justice  should  descend  from  Heaven,  • 
And  in  a  moment  pierce  thy  heart,  or  that 
Of  any  other  villain  ;  she  in  silence 
Still  marches  onward,  and  with  tardy  step 
Seizes  offenders  when  the  Fates  ordain. 

By  the  keen  eye  of  Heaven's  immortal  Powters 
Are  all  things  seen  ;  full  plainly  it  appears 
^'       8     That,  tho'  by  Us  frail  mortals  undiscern'd 

And  seldom  look'd  for,  there's  a  God  at  hand. 
Who  o'er  each  action  of  our  lives  presides. 

Witli  no  benevolent  intention,  Jove 
B.      13     To  many,  great  prosperity  doth  grant. 

Only  to  make  their  ruin  more  conspicuous. 

Are  you  not  able  to  perceive  how  great 

A  Deity  is  Venus  f  but  your  tongue 

Would  never  be'  sufficient  to  express. 

Nor  can  you  think,  how  absolute  her  power, 

Or  to  what  distant  objects  it  extends. 

Not  from  mere  words  alone  shall  you  receive 
jj  The  proof  of  what  I  urge  :  but  I  her  might 

M.  Oedi-    ^y  ^^^^^  ^^'^  shew.     Earth  loves  refreshing  showers, 
pus,  17    Oft  as  the  field,  pa^ch'd  up  by  drought,  a  scene 

Of  barrenness,  latsks  moisture ;  fraught  with  rain, 

Incert  44  occurs  \vith  only  the  Tariation  of  fgaynv,  for  Xcyav  Bacchar, 
V.  480 >  47  Iphigenia  inTaliris  Il93 ;  99 — 101  contain,  with  a  smaU  ad- 
dition, Iph.  Anlis  395;  201,  202  are  in  tlie  Hecuba  377,  378  ;  221— 22S 
in  the  Suppliants  734—736 ;  fftS,  277  are  almost  a  verbal  repetition  of 
56,  57 ;  372,  373,  are  in  the  Hippoiy tus  298,  299  ;  397  is  taken  from 
Phcesisse  557 ;  401, 402  occur  Bacchae  266,  267  -,  405  is  in  Antiope  89  ; 
419  Antigone  18 ;  422-^2^  are  ascribed  to  JSopliocIes  by  Stobaeus, 
Healthy  and  Valkenaef,  and  omitted  by  Dr.  Musgrave ;  435  is  in  Hip- 
polytus  317  ;  436  and  440,  ascribed  by  Grotius  in  his  edition  of  Sto- 
bapus,  not  to  Euripides,  but  an  unknown  author;  444,  445,  are  in  An- 
dromache 597,  598 ;  and  the  two  last  fines  in  the  Heraclidae  298,  299.^' 
In  Dr.  Mus$i3iTe*s  edition  Trag*  Incert.  15  has  been  giten  by  him  in 
iEolus  1 ;  35  in  Antiope  29 :  77  in  Olaucus  4 ;  80  more  at  large  148 ; 
a3  Hecuba  377,  378  ^  223  io  Phcenissai  917;  and  probably  nrnny  other 
•rrof  s  have  eicaped  me. 


B. 
M. 

28 

28 

B. 

M. 

29 
19 

B. 

M. 

30 

B.       51 


FRAGMENTS.  4105 

The  venerable  Air,  by  Venus  taught. 

Loves  to  descend  on  the  prolific  Ground. 

The  elements  thus  mingled,  for  our  use 

Bring  forth  and  nourish  all  things,  hence  tl^e  race 

Of  mortals  live,  with  vigorous  health  endued. 

Jove  aids  the  labours  of  th'  industrious  man. 
Be  bold,  speak  truth,  and  thop  shalt  never  err. 

Virtue's  the  greatest  of  %11  human  blessings. 

Why  did  Prometheus,  who  in  antient  times 
Is  said  to  have  formed  uS  and  all  that  breathe. 
Give  to  each  Brute,  according  to  its  kind, 
One  disposition  ?     Lions  all  are  fierce. 
Hares  timid  ;  nor  hath  nature  with  deep  wiles 
£ndued  one  fox,  and  made  ianother  honest; 
Collect  unnumber'd  multitudes,  the  temper 
And  genius  of  them  all  will  be  the  same  : 
But  on  examining  the  human  race. 
As  many  minds  as  faces  may  be  seen. 

Thy  being  wholly  ignorant  wherein 
Thou  hast  ofiTended,  is  a  great  incitement 
To  fresh  presumption  and  audacious  deeds. 

By  such  impetuous  fervour  of  the  soul 
Is  man  plung'd  headlong  into  utter  ruiq. 

[n  closest  sisterhood  is  Folly  join'd 
With  Wickedness. 

He  who  pQsspsing  riche^  ^nd  the  favour 

Of  those  around  him,  aimf  at  aught  beyonc}  b.     50 

Wljat  he  pQssesses^  ajips  hut  to  be  wretched. 

The  honifi<J  ^ongpe  of  Nestor,  or  Antenor  g.    S32 

Bage  Phrygian  chief,  would  Jove  on  nae  bestow;  M.^io 

That  leaky  vessel  never  qould  I  fill  B^52 

Ky  wasting  whole^oqqie  counsels  on  th'  unwise.  ^'     ^^ 


B. 

42 

M. 

« 

3. 

45 

M. 

8 

B. 

48 

M. 

7 

406  FRAGMENTSi 

B.      64      If  *^^"  already  know^st  not,  be  assur'd 
M.      12      The  worst  of  ideots  is  the  wicked  man. 

g       ^     This  curse,  ^las,  is  by  the  righteous  Gods 
M.  cairy.      Full  oft  inflicted  on  the  human  race, 
^ipp.  2     They  know  what's  right,  but  act  not  as  they  ought. 

Fear,   while  the  accus'd  stands  pleading  for  his  life, 
And  labours  to  defend  himself,  imprints 
Astonishment  upon  ihe  lips  of  man, 
B.      58      And  suffers  not  his  piemory  totcollect 
M.     16      What  he  would  say:    him  dangers  compass  round, 
Tho'  his  antagonist  be  safe :  such  peril 
Yet  must  I  undergo ;  for  I  perceive 
My  Hfe  on  this  great  contest  doth  depend. 

B.      ^5      Better  than  multitudes  of  the  unrighteous 
^delT'o™^  Is  one  good  m^p,  whom  Heaven  and  Justice  aid. 

Whene'er  we  triumph  in  an  honest  cause 
Pow  glorious  is  the  prize  which  we  obtain  ; 
But  how  completely  wretched  when  procured 
Py  foul  injustice !  and  how  much  more  baleful 
Are  slanderous  tongues,  and  Envy  Which  invades 
The  guilty  mansions  of  the  sons  of  pride. 
Than  souls  which  harbour  no  such  odious  pest ! 

Woe  to  the  man,  who,  by  his  powers  of  speech 
Making  e*en  falshood  lovely,  uses  not 
Such  talents  in  th'  embellishment  of  truth. 

But  even  falshood  may  a  preference  claim 

To  truths,  whence  nought  but  mischief  can  arise. 

Whether  io  thee  thou  wilt  that  I  should  use 
B*      74      A  language  with  the  softest  falshoods  fraught, 
^*      ^      Or  with  harsh  truths,  speak  :    for  *tis  thine  to  choose. 

Be  he  a  beggar,  or,  if  fortune  please, 
B.      76      ^^*^^  meaner  than  a  beggar,  may  I  have 
M.     21      Him  for  my  friend,  who,  shaking  off  all  fear. 

Utters  the  dictates  of  an  hone«t  heart. 


B.        67 
M.      17 


B;      71 

M.      18 


B.        7S 


FRAGMENTSi 

When  justice  prompts,  we  never  should  be  silent. 

Misfortunes  are  the  source  of  dreadful  wrath. 
And  errors  compass  round  the  heart  of  man. 

There's  no  reliance  on  the  soul  that  labours 
Beneath  the  pressure  of  immoderate  grief. 

With  harshness  and  with  passion  when  their  kindred 
Treat  the  unhappy,  isure  they  act  not  wisely. 

What  feeble  mortal,  whom  the  slightest  change 

Of  veering  fortune  utterly  destroys. 

Can  e'er  presume  to  think  that  he  is  great? 

Where,  how  will  you  conceal  yourself?  what  friend 
Retains  his  faith  uiishaken  ?  let  us  ask. 
Hope  is  the  bane  of  man,  and  they  who  rest 
On  such  falldicious  props  are,  oft  overthrown. 

Some  mischief  riseth  from  whate'er  exceedsf 

The  bounds  of  mediocrity ;  for  man 

Ought  not  to  vie  in  splendor  with  the  Gods. . 

Yield  thou  to  Fate,  nor  war  against  the  Gods. 
Endure  to  look  on. my  distress,  and  curb 
Thy  pride ;  for  the  celestial  Powers  lay  low 
The  mighty,  and  reduce  their  boasted  pomp. 

We  all,  tho'  wise  enough  to  give  advice 

To  others,  know  not  when  oursejves  transgresfs. 

Most  balefol  error,  when  the  man  devoid 
Of  understanding,  thinks  that  be  is  wise* 

(55)  Strong  reasons  hast  thou  to  believe  the  Gods 
Will  pardon  him,  who  to  'scape  death  or  bonds, 

4 

(55)  **  Thii  sentence  sayotirs  somewhat  of  the  doctrine  of  Hobbes, 

.«  {|nd  is  more  coosooant  to  nature  than  to  piety.    It  Is  certainly  con- 

<<  demned  by  pur  law  ;  for  an  oath  being,  according  to  the  definition 

^<  of  AristpUe,  <  A  making  use  of  the  name  of  God  to  assert  what  we 

^<  camio(  otherwise  proye^*   it  is  incoasistei^  that  the  man  who  loves 


4d7 

B. 

79 

M. 

22 

B.       80 


B. 

M 


25 


B.       83 


B, 

85 

M. 

27 

B. 

87 

M. 

28 

p. 

90 

M. 

29 

B, 

9t 

Bf. 

SO 

B. 

96 

M. 

S3 

B. 

98 

M. 

31 

B. 

102 

M. 

S 

M6  FRAGMENTS. 

Or  violence  inflicted  by  the  foe. 

Takes  a  false  oath,  or  dwells  in  the  same  house 

With  his  own  sons  who  have  imbrued  their  hands 

In  blood.    For  either  the  immortal  Powers 

Are  with  less  wisdom  than  mankind  epduec). 

Or  they  prefer  the  laws  of  equity 

To  those  which  rigid  justice  hath  ordainM* 

»•    105      Glory  by  toils  unnumbered  is  acquir'df 

B.    106     Either  speak  somewhat  that  is  preferable 
M,     36     To  being  silent,  or  else  close  thy  mouth. 

&  Bete.     ^^^  y^^ye  I  seen  the  champions  of  the  law? 
»op.  29     By  Envy,  execrable  pest,  overthrown. 

They  who  their  cojintry  love,  sh<^uld  by  each  word 
And  action  labour  for  the  public  good. 

Let  not  fatigue  appall  thee,  while  thbu  stfiv*st 
To  gain  redemption  for  thy  native  land. 

Fhte  hath  ordain'd  that  dastards  shall  obey 
The  brave,  and  to  superior  prowess  yield. 

On  all  sides,  lovers  dart  an  eager  glance 

At  Empire ;  we  must  watch  th^  important  prize. 

Py  dangers  is  the  fame  of  man  encreas'd* 

The  youth  who  hates  the  rites  of  Mars,  hath  nojuglit  ^ 

To  recommend  him  but  his  auburn  locl^s 

And  blooming  face,  he  is  a  thing  devoid 

Of  all  reality.     Hast  thou  observ-d 

The  life  of  those  who  share  the  sumptuous  board 

**  God  should  swear  falsely  to  save  fais  life.  It  ^ill  appear  preferable  to 
«  a  picas  soul  to  incur  a  pmushment  4yr^eath,  than  to  profene  tlie  aa- 
"  cred  name  of  God.  Such  are  the  (^ctates  of  the  Divine  Word  and  of 
^  right  reason.  The  Poets  hold  a  liyiguage  somewhat  difieimit,  aino^g 
^  whom  Gkiudian  against  Eutropius,  L.  2.  v.  596, 

^*  Saprema  pericnla  semper  dant  veniam  cnlpe." 

To  those  who  deviate  from  their  plighted  word, 
£stf«Qi6t  of  d«Dger  some  excuse  afford.  Barku. 


B.     109 


-J^.     Ill 


B. 

112 

M. 

41 

B.     114 

M.  Falso 
GiUta,  t 

B. 
M. 

116 
46 

B. 

ur 

M. 

51 

FRA6MENT&  409 

I 

How  'tis  delicious,  how  from  all  fatigues 
Wealth  can  exempt  them  i  but  no  laur^at  wreaths 
To  them  belong,  nor  the  renown  obtained 
By  valour,  if  they  dare  not  to  attempt 
Some  perilous  emprise :    for  toils  beget 
Heroic  fame.    But  Greece  conspi|[es  to  brand 
With  foul  reproach,  that  caution  which  attends 
To  nought,  but  lengthening  out  an  abject  life. 

Of  those  who  enter  on  the  nuptial  state. 
Not  all  with  prosperous  fortunes  meet,  nor  ^I| 
With  adverse  :  most  untoward  is  the  doom 
Of  him  who  lights  on  an  ^bandon'd  Wife; 
But  blest  is  be  who  chooses  one  that's  virtuous. 

Blest  is  the  man  who  weds  a  virtuous  Dame ; 
He  too  is  happy  who  remains  unwedded. 

I  to  that  Consort  faithful  ought  to  prove, 
With  whom  from  youth  to  hoary  age  I  dwe)!. 

The  violence  of  ocean's  waves  is  dreadful^ 
Dreadful  is  .that  of  rivers,  the  hot  blasts 
Of  fire,  and  poverty  are  dreadful  too. 
There  are  upnumber'd  dreadful  things  besid^^ 
Yet  is  no  pest  so  dreadful  as  a  Woman  ; 
Her  can  tio  picture  represent,  no  words 
Duly  characterise :  if  she  was  form'd 
By  any  God,  him  I  pronounce  the  author 
Of  every  mischief,  and  a  foe  to  man. 

He  who  is  wise,  should  never  yield  the  reins 
To  Woman,  never  suffer  her  to  rule. 
She's  not  to  be  relied  on:  a  good  Wife 
If  any  ipan  obtains,  his  bliss  consist^ 
In  a  more  tolerably  share  of  evil. 

The  love  a  Mother  to  her  children  bears. 
Exceeds  that  of  the  Sire,  because  she  knows 


B. 

ti$ 

M. 

49 

B. 

129 

U. 

50 

B. 

131 

M. 

5S 

1|. 

139 

¥. 

53 

/   ' 

B. 

141 

M. 

Cres- 

sse,  11 

B. 

14^ 

M. 

S3 

4)0  PRAGMENTS, 

That  they  are  hers^  bis  title  to  the  name 
Of  Fatlior  rests  upon  opiDtoi>onU% 

M.Falso      ^"'  '^^  ^'^o  ^®  their  latest  breath  reveres 

Citata,4   His  aged  Parents,  to  the  Gods  is  dear, 
*•    ^^^      Both  while  he  lives,  and  in  the  silent  grave^ 

0  Mother,  be  assur'd,  I  ne'er  shall  cease 

To  love  thee,  since 'tis  just^  and  from  thy  womb 

1  spring ;  yet  do  I  openlj'  profess, 

B.    14S     That  my  affection  for  my  Sire  is  greater 
M.     5S     Than  what  I  feel  for  all  mankind  beside; 

Nor  be  thou  angry,  for  that  Sire  begot  me; 
And  with  Paternal  honours  man  i^grac'd. 
Nor  dotb  hefever  bear  his  Mother's  name.      ' 

B.    155     Altho'  the  treasures  of  my  hoijse  are  lost, 
M.     61      Illustrious  birth  and  courage  still  remain. 

Perceiv'st  thou  not  that  men  of  high  descent 
Thro'  poverty  their  antient  splendor  lose. 
And  they  who  erst  were  nothing,  but  are  now 
Grown  rich,  obtain  distmction  on  account 
B.    157      Of  their  possessions,  and  by  nuptial  unions 
M.  Fabo    Their  children  aggrandise  ?  on  wealthy  villains 
Citita,  5  ^]j  jjj.^  more  ready  to  confer  a  boon 

Than  on  the  virtuous  man  who  is  depress'd 
By  indigence:  for  whosoe'er  hath  nought. 
Is  worthless,  but  each  blessing  follows  gold. 

But  he  who  speaks  of  Sorrow,  as  a  pest 
Too  great  for  man  to  combat,  and  exhorts 
To  twine  the  fatal  noose,  or  throw  himself 
Down  headlong  from  the  precipice,  is  void 
Of  wisdom  :  yet  is  he  allow'd  to  pray 
That  he  may  ever  'scape  that  fell  disease. 

To  man,  his  griefs  a  source  of  "sickness  prove. 

The  slow  Physician,  who  to  the  disease 
Gives  time  t'  exhale  its  venom,  works  a  cure 
More  perfect  than  by  making  deep  incisions* 


^. 

165 

M. 

65 

p. 

169 

M. 

66 

B. 

170 

M. 

67 

FRAGMENTS.  *ll 

He  who  is  prosperous^  never  ought  to  think  .  . , 

With  him  benignant  Fortune  will  remain 

Invariably;  for  that  capricious  Goddess, 

If  we  must  call  her  Goddess,  loathes  to  direll 

Perpetually  beneath  one  roof.     The  wealth  ®*    *^^ 

Of  mortals  is  but  mortal :  e'en  the  proud,  ^*       - 

And  they  who  from  the  present,  moment  form 

Their  judgement  of  hereafter,  to  their  cost 

Are  taught  by  Fortune's  self  thi^  mournful  tinith^ 

Unstable  is  the  happiness  of  man. 

The  just  and  wise,  tho*  their  distress  be  great, 
Ought  never  to  be  angry  with  the  Gods. 

Thou  follow*st  Hopes,  my  Son,  which  on  light  Wi  igs 
Are  borne  away  ;   now  Fortune  dpth  forsake  thee^ 
For  various  are  the  shapes  wbiqh  she  assumes. 

A.  Talk  not  to  nie  of  idle  hope,  but  leavef 
My  tears  to  stream  with  freedonj.        ' 

.        !p.  Many  things 
May  happen,  .which  t^ou  could'st  not  have  expected. 

We  aged  men  are  qualified  indeed 

To  watch  o'er  olbers;  in  return  we  borrow 

Protection  from  the  vigorous  arm  of  youth. 

When  heretofore  I  thro*  the  streets  beheld ' 

A  blind  man  crawl,'  supported  by  his  gtaicJe 

And  wailiqg  such  hard  fortune;  with  the  name      -  • 

Of  dastard  him  I  branded,   who  forbore 

To  end  his  woes  by  voluntary  Death  : 

But  now  against  the  doctrine  which  I. taught 

Myself  offend,  wretch  that  I  am!  -^O  morta]s. 

To  this  frail  Being  how  are  ye  attached  ^ 

Who  wish  to  see  to-morrow ;   tho*  ye  groan 

Under  a  load  of  numberless  afflictions ! 

So  strongly  is  the  love  of  Life  implunted 

lu  human  breasts ;  becau9e^  what  'tis  to  live. 


B. 

179 

M. 

69 

B. 

180 

M, 

79 

B. 

18$ 

> 

73 

B. 

184 

M 

U 

> 

k  1 

B. 

186 

M. 

76 

B.     188 
81 


41«  FRAGMENTS. 

We  know :  but  having  ne'er  experienc'd  Death, 
All  fear  to  leave  the  Sun's  resplendent  beams. 

I  am  not  q^ite  a  Phrygifin  :  if  I  see 
M    '  82     That  better  *X^  to  end  than  to  prolong 
My  life,  that  pobler  option  will  I  make, 

B.    203     How  har^h  the  disposition  of  this  man, 
Hf^     85      Devoid  of  hospitality  to  strangers, 

And  mindless  of  the  duties  of  a  friend  i 

Few  for  the  dead  retain  un^ha^en  frien.dsl^ipi 
Altho'  their  kindred  ;   for  the  lust  of  gain 
B.    J05     Prevails  o'er  piety,   and  In  the  eyes 

Of  man,  the  dearest  objects  lose  all  favour, 
Whjen  thro^  the  gates  the  breathless  corse  i^  bornt* 

When  scenes  like  these  our  wondering  eyes  behold, 
How  can  we  still  assert  that  any  Gods 
Exist,  how  yield  obedience  to  their  laws  i 

There  is,  there  is  a  Jove,  (tho'  some  deride 
This  solemn  truth,)  and  the  immortal  Gods 
Look  down  on  every  action  of  mankind. 

Woe  to  the  man  who  views  these  thines,  Bor  markt 

That  there  is  any  God,  nor  casts  away 

With  just  disdaiti  the  complicated  frauds 

Of  those  Af trologers,  with  tongues  accurst 

Impertinently  babbling  of  what's  wrapt 

In  deep  obscurity,  tho'  to  their  lot 

No  portion  of  celestial  science  fall. 

What  temple  by  the  skilful  builder  reared, 
*^^     Can  in  the  circuit  of  its  walls  contain 
The  person  of  a  God  ? 

A.  Answer  me  what  idea  shall  we  form 
B.    m     Of  God  ? 

B,  As  seeing  all,  himself  unseen^ 
The  soul's  a  God  in  every  breast  implanted* 


B. 

S09 

M. 

186 

B. 

2U 

M. 

144 

B.     213 
H,    1^8 


M.     183 


M.     146 


9*      <S6 
If.    188 


FRAGMENTS.  41S 

Oft  hatti  my  heart  been  torn  with  anxious  care. 

Doubting  if  Fortune  or  some  Power  Divine 

Kule  the  affairs  of  men,  and  from  their  home  B.    ssr 

(The  bounds  of  probability  and  justice  •*•    ^^r 

Infringing)  drive  forth  some  expos'd  to  want^ 

While  others  are  as  wondrously  successful* 

To  thee,  O  Universal  King, 
This  wine  and  salted  cates  I  bring. 
Whether  by  Jove's  or  Pluto's  name 
Our  homage  thou  delight  to  claim ; 
This  offering  from  my  (56)  scanty  store, 
(With  joy  I  would,  but  can  no  more) 
The  mingled  fruits  of  various  kind  B     23t 

Which  I  present  with  liberal  mind,  ^-    ^* 

Accept :  for  midst  the  heavenly  band 
Jove's  aweful  sceptre  fills  thy  hand. 
And  thou  with  Pluto  dost  partake 
His  empire  o'er  the  Stygian  lake ; 
To  man's  benighted  soul  reveal 
Thy  beams,  and  teach  us,  ere  we  feel. 
From  what  curst  source  our  woes  distill. 
Where  grows  the  bitter  root  of  ill, 
.  What  Power  Divine  we  must  invoke 
To  ease  us  from  the  galling  yoke. 

For  whensoe'er  benignant  Jove  inclines 
To  snatch  a  man  from  ruin,  various  means 
Such  purpose  to  effect,  the  God  bestows. 

With  zeal  on  many  fond  pursuits  we  enter. 
By  our  blind  hopes  engag'd  in  fruitless  toils, 

(56)  The  expression  in  the  text  is  ean^  ^imea,  wliicli  I  render  rata 
Tictima,  finding  an  authority  for  tliis  acceptation  of  the  term  avogov  ^ufxtt^ 
cited  by  Henry  Stephens,  in  his  Thesaurus  Linguae  Graecijc,  Vol.  III. 
p.  167 f  from  the  second  book  of  Plato's  Republic.  Mr.  HcSatli  however, 
to  whom  this  phrase  probably  did  not  occur,  chooses  to  read  uitv^y 
sacrificioQi  i^pas  expers ;  and  is  foUowed  by  Dr.  Musgrave,  though  with- 
out any  apparent  authority  for  altering  tht  text  as  taken  by  Barnes 
from  Clemens  Alexandrintif  •  ' 


B. 

245 

M. 

105 

B. 

847 

m: 

10« 

41*  FRAGMENTS. 

Heatb  The  davingf  sailors  in  an  evil  hour 

p.  185      As  o*er  th'  immea^urabfe  deep  they  pass, 
M    176      Feed  on  the  slender  nourishment  of  Hop^. 

to 

While  thou  enjoy 'st  the  luxuries  of  wealth, 
B.    251      o  woman,  canst  thou  level  to  the  sphere 
^*    ^^^      Humanity  demands,  thy  towering  soul  ? 

B.   [252      The  favourable  sentence  they  obtain^, 
M.    216      Induces  them  to  utter  these  vain  boasts. 

B.    253     "^Yg  think  the  prosperous  man  is  also  wise. 

M.     204 

B.     254      To  th'  industry  of  slaves  for  our  support 
M.    203-     Are-we  the  free-born  citizens  indebted. 

B.    255      Him  1  abhor  who  makes  a  vain  professioti 
M.    Ill      Of  wisdom,  while  unwise  in  his  own  conduct. 

To  man  in  wisdom,    as  in  virtue.  Love 
Affords  the  ib^;5t  instruction,  sweetest  God 
That  e'er  heWjconverse  with  the  human  race, 
His  votaries  he  to  Hope  conducts,  affording 
B.    256      Delight  unmii  gled  :  ne'er  may  I  associate 
M.    165     With  those  who  in  the  toils  which  Love  demands 
Are  not  initiated,  be  my  abode 
From  those  of  savage  dianners  far  estrang/d  : 
The  young  I  counsel  not  from  Love  to  fly. 
But  use  him,  when  he  visits  them,  aright. 

Physician  to  the  maladies  of  others, 
Himself  with  loathsome  ulcers  cover'd  o*er.  . 

The  best  of  Seers  is  he  who  guesses  right. 

Fame  holds  the  virtuous  forth  to  public  view, 
Tbo'  plung'd  in  deepest  caverns  of  the  earth. 


B. 

267 

M. 

211 

B. 

268 

M. 

128 

B.      269 


B.    270      Unbridled  fury  marks  the  sons  of  slaves. 

M.    130 


B.      271 


My  soul  abhors  the  citizen,  who  slow 
In  yielding  succour  to  his  native  Isind, 


FRAGMENTS.  4  Id 

[s  prompt  to  injure  it,  and  his  own  interests 
Mvancesj  iho'  he  never  serves  the  state. 

Fhe  Gods  to  men*s  posterity  impute  B.   "274 

Each  sin  committed  by  their  impious  Sires.  M.    133 

Kfone  of  thy  wholesome  counsels  have  escaped  me,  ^'    ^^* 

But  nature's  force  subdues  my  better  reason*  J^< 

[t  IS  not  meet  to  join  the  aged  Dame 

W^ith  a  gay  youthful  Mate,  for  he  desires  B.     28f 

Some  lovelier  Nymph  to  grace  the  genial  bed,  M.    157 

W^hile  his  forsaken  Wife  devises  mischief. 

But  he  who  late  possess'd  tUat  vigorous  frame, 

Like  a  refulgent  star  which  falls  from  heaven  g     ^^ 

Hath  been  extinguish'd  ;  to  the  skies  ascends  m.    127 

His  kindred  spirit,   but  a  breathless  corse 

His  body  lies,  that  image  "of  the  Gods. 

Tbo'  ye' possess  high  rank,  and  by  your     jalih 
Expect  to  crush  the  virtuous,  scorn  aw"'  -  you. 

A  race  of  men  inur'd  to  constant  toil. 
And  poising  with  unwearied  arm  the  spear. 

For  Eloquence,  were  men  obliged  to  pay 

A  mighty  price,  none  on  such  terms  would  wish 

That  talent  to  possess  :  but  now  from  Heaven,  B.     290 

As  a  free  gift,  since  'tis  receiv'd,  all  love  ^^    ^^^ 

Promiscuously  to  utter  truth  and  faishood. 

Because  no  mulct  attends  the  lying  tongue. 

Thus  Nature  will'd,  who  cares  not  for  the  laws.  ^*     ^^^ 

M.     171 

The  beauty  of  a  Woman  ne'er  secur'd 

Th'  affections  of  her  Husband  ;  but  to  many 

Hath  virtue  prov'd  of  use  ;  for  every  Dame 

Endued  with  such  perfection,  to  her  Lord 

United  by  the  strictest  bonds,  knows  how  B. 318,296 

To  lead  a  life  of  chastity :  the  first  ^         ^^'  ^^^'^^' 

Of  duties  it  exacts  from  her,  is  this: 


B. 

285 

M. 

iir 

B. 

289   ■■ 

M. 

99  / 

416  FRAGMENTS. 

Howe'er  deforin'd  her  Mate,  he  must  appear 

To  the  wise  partner  of  his  nuptial  bed 

Perfectly  beautiful,  because  the  soul. 

And  not  the  eye,  is  qualified  to  judge 

Of  beauty :  what  he  says,  she  should  think  right, 

Tho'  it  be  wrong,  and  in  her  conversation 

Adopt  such  language  as  will  please  hei*  Lord ; 

Most  pleasing  is  it  when  the  Wife  condoles 

With  him  in  his  afftlctions,  and  her  part 

Of  grief  as  well  as  pleasure  beat's  :  with  thee 

Thus  in  thy  adverse  fate  am  I  resolv'd. 

To  sympathise  ;  for  riought  which  I  for  thee 

Endure,  shall  I  deem  bitter  ;  with  our  fric^nds 

Should  we  be  wretched,  and  with  them  be  b|est. 

What  else  deserves  the  sacred  name  of  friendship  i 


M.  16S 


M.  l45 


M.  160 


B.   315 
M.  161 


For  me  sufficient  is  the  frugal  board 

With  scanty  fare  supplied  ;  I  covet  not 

Th'  unseasonable  delights  which  gi'andettr  yields. 


To  Summer  and  to  Winter  are  assign^ 
^'    f^f      Four  lunar  revolutions  each,  two  only 

To  friendly  Autumn,  and  to  Spring  the  same. 

O  miserable  life  of  mortal  man> 
At  every  moment  how  ^rt  thou  expos'd 
To  danger,  now  encreasing,   and  again 
B.    308      Dwindling  to  nothing !  there's  no  goal  assigned, 
At  which  when  they  arrive,  the  human  race 
Have  privilege  to  rest  in  their  career. 
Till,  at  Jove's  mandate.  Death  with  chilling  hand 
Arrive,  and  put  a  period  to  our  life. 


But  whosoe'er  would  practise  with  success 
The  healing  art,  both  on  the  food  of  those 
Who  in  the  city  dwell,  and  on  the  soil. 
His  observxitions  founding,  should  explore 
The  source  from  whence  their  maladies  arise. 


B. 

326 

M. 

164 

B. 

327 

M. 

159 

B. 

339 

M. 

178 

B. 

331 

M. 

148 

B.     334 


FRAGMENTS.  41? 

At  the  luxuriops  tables  of  the  rich. 

Not  with  the  hungry  poor,  is  Venus  found. 

Me,  want,  and  an  accursed  appetite 
Whence  are  derived  all  evils,  hath  subdued. 

Thee  too,  O  Mother  Earth,  whom,  pois'd  in  air. 
By  Vesta's  hallowed  name  each  Sage  invokes. 

Better  for  man  had  he  been  never  born. 

The  throes  of  pregnancy  I  next  endure. 

And  if  I  bring  forth  children  who  are  fools^ 

In  vain  lament  my  fate,  oft  as  these  eyes 

Behold  the  worthless  flourish,  while  the  good 

From  these  fond  arms  in  infancy  are  torn ;  i^^    ^g 

Or  if  they  live,  thro*  anxious  thoughts,  I  waste. 

Which  prey  upon  my  miserable  heart. 

What  benefit  is  this  ?  are  not  the  cares 

Sufficient  which  attend  a  single  life  i 

The  sentiments  I  now  maintain,  and  lon&r 

M      341 

Have  held,  are  these  ;  men  should  beget  no  children,    ^ '     ^ 
Aware  of  the  afflictions  they  inherit. 

Since  thou  wert  born  a  man,  thou  from  the  air. 
Whence  all  receive  their  nourishment,  and  draw 
Their  vital  breath,  those  evila  that  attend 
On  life,  hast  caught ;  frail  mortal  as  thou  art. 
Endure  what  to  mortality  belongs. 

Who  that  despises  death  can  be  a  slave  ? 

But  he  who  to  necessity  submits. 

Among  mankind  with  justice  is  termM  wise. 

And  one  who  knows  the  mvstic  will  of  Heaven. 

A  different  med'cine  suits  a  different  ail; 

Each  friend,  with  soothing  words,  consoles  the  man 

Who  is  afflicted,  but  reproves  the  fool. 

Thou,  an  artificer,  hast  interfered 

In  matters  that  are  foreign  to  thy  trade. 

VOL.  HI.  1^  E 


B. 

344 

M. 

150 

B. 

348 

M. 

116 

B. 

349 

M. 

ISO 

B. 

351 

M. 

118 

B. 

354 

M, 

141 

B.    4ir 


B. 

418 

M 

210 

B. 

420 

M. 

172 

B.     438 


420  FRAGMENTS.     . 

For  not  in  dying,  but  in  dying  basely 
Is  there  aught  terrible. 

O'er  an  immeasurable  space  of  land 

By  him  was  the  huge  continent  stretcbt  forth* 

Sustaining  on  his  shoulders  the  huge  boar^ 
Oc' laden  with  a  party-colour'd  lyn3f. 
Ferocious  beast,  he  came* 

(57)  Thou  Thracian  woman,  for  we  cannot  pay 
Attention  to  the  voice  of  slaves,  depart. 

A  table  with  no  social  converse  grac'd,' 
B,    430     jg  jj^j.  i^jjg  g^g^ii  ^bere  hungry  <bea»ts  are  fed. 

The  Air,  on'  which,  as  on  a  gorgeous  car. 
From  Heaven,  are  the  immortal  Gods  convey'd. 

There's  no  possession  of  moi^  wbrtb  itban  Virtue, 
Which  makes  not  mf>n  ignoble  slaves  to  wealth, 
M.       4     To  fears  for  their  own  safety,  or  tb'  applause 
Of  a  vile  rabble ;  but  the  more  'tis  us'd. 
The  more  is  Virtue  to  perfection  brought. 

He  who  by  Anger  is  inflam'd,  can  form 
No  prudent  counsels:  but  by  frantic  rage 
And  want  of  understanding,  th<p«e  two  pest^ 
To  those  tbey  visit,  many  ^ure  idestrpy'd. 

Whenever  thou  seest  any  man  raised  high. 
Exulting  in  his  wealth,  and  noble  birth. 
Whose  superciliousness  exceeds  his  fortune. 
Think  not  that  Nemesis  will  long  delay 
To  punish  him ;  for  he  is  lifted  up 
Only  to  make  his  fall  the  more  conspicuous. 

• 

(57)  The  four  intermediate  lines  in  Bame^  edition,  qnoted  by  Glemen» 
Alexandrinus  Svitfaont  citing  a^y  author,  and  ascribed  to  Sophocles  bj 
Stobaeus,  Heath,  and  Yalkenaer,  are  omitted  by  Dr.  Mnagrave ;  tbey 
consist  of  an  admonition  against  excess  in 'wine  aiid.iiileni|ieDiiioe  of 
speech. 


M,      23 


M.      36 


M.      S% 


FRAGMENTS.  421 

'The  man  that's  so  short-sighted  that  he  views 
And  looks  for  nought  except  the  thing  he  likes^ 
Is  too  unwise  to  be  a  judge  of  truth. 

A  city  thus  diseas'd,  hath,  wqndrous  skilly 
New  and  unheard-of  mischiefs  to  devise. 


M.     98 


M.      4P 


There's  no  equality  .4mong  mankind. 

Fortune  should  wander  .stript  of  all  her  mighty 

And  qualities  tbjs  0iost  conspicuous  gain 

Their  due  preeminence :  whoe'er  is  fam'd  M.     99 

For  strength  unrivaird>  or  with  surest  aim 

Can  twang  the  bow,  or  launch  the  spear  in  battle^ ; 

O'er  his  inferiors  ought  to  be  a  King. 

Since  I  have  err'd  myself,  I  ne'er  would  counsel 
Another  to  his  children  to  yield  up 
The  reps  of  power  till  darkness  dose  his  eyes : 
Else  must  he  live  dependent  on  their  favour. 

Regardless  of  the  law,  would  I  drag  forth 

To  a  just  punishment  the  impipus  man 

Who  at  the  altat  takes  bis  seat,  nor  f«ars  M.     4J 

The  Gods'  resentment ;  for  the  penal  doom 

His  crimes  deserve,  each  villain  ought  to  suffer* 

From  Kingly  Power  doth  foul  injustice  spring.  h.     45 

The  humble  Peasants  lead  a  happy  life. 

For  by  fresh'  hopes  their  griefs  are  ever  sootb'd. 

A  virtuous  Consort  stops  her  Husband,  bent 
Od  utter  ruin,  and  preserves  a  hous^. 

Women  I  hate,  but  hate  thee  most  of  all^ 
Who  having  acted  basely,  well  can  speak. 

We  toil  in  vain,  when  a  strict  guard  we  keep 

Over  the  female  sex ;  why  should  we  watch 

With  jealous  eyes  the  conduct  of  the  Dame  M.     55 

Who  is  not  virtuous  of  her  own  accord. 

And  tempt  her  yet  moxe  grossly  to  deceive  us  ? 


H.      46 


M.      48 


54 


4«t  FRAGMENTS. 

B*      56     Blest  is  the  Woman  whom  her  Hasband  loves. 


H.      59 


M.      97 


M.       96 


Important  truths  are  coachM  in  many  sayings 
From  antient  days  transmitted  :  for  the  words 
Which  wisdom  dictates  are  a  sovereign  balm 
To  heal  each  fear  that  haunts  the  soui  of  man. 


Your  Son,  I  know^  was  modest ;  he  convers'd 
With  viftuous  men,  and  led  an  holy  lite: 
M.     62      How  then  from  such  perfections  could  he  sink 
luto  most  horrid  crimes?  That  such  a  change 
Is  possible^  shall  no  man  e'er  persuade  me. 

M.     79     There's  nothing  which  we  value  morp  than  life. 

The  mortal,  who  hath  pass'd  thro'  life's  career 
Exempt  from  sorrow,  never  could  be  found. 

By  impudence  did  no  man  e*er  obtain 
M.     88     That  honest  fame,  which  labour,  generous  deeds. 
And  gentleness  of  manners,  oft  ^cquife* 

Thou  for  thy  words  in  courteous  words  hast  found 
M.      9S      An  adequate  return ;  but  for  his  deeds 
He  by  like  deeds  with  justice  is  repaid. 

r  f 

After  all  this,  let  him  the  utmost  craft 
Exert  that  he  is  master  of,  and  practise 
Each  stratageip  against  me  :  for  the  champiops 
Prepar'd  t'  assert,  my  qau^are  Just  and  Right, 
And  I  in  no  base  action  shall  be  caught. 

M.    100     ^^^  Jove,  dread  Sire,  who  wish'd  to  ruin  Troy . 
And  punish  Greece^  these  mischiefs  hath  devis'd. 

In  my  opinion  >yho6oe'er  sustains 
M.    isi      With  firmness  all  that  Fortune  can  inflict. 
Is  both  a  virtuous  man  and  truly  wise. 

^^  My  breast,  O  Venus,  warm  witli  temperate  fires. 

But  let  thy  torch  still  uuextinguish'd  burn. 

M.   124     Fair  is  the  eve  of  beauty'^  closing  day. 


FRAGMENTS.  4^3 


Full  many  perisb'd,  by  the  roaring  blast 
Of  thunder  smitten,  slain  without  a  wound. 


M     137 


By  many  names  distinguish'd,  not  by  that 

Of  Venus  only,  she  is  Orcus  too^  M^    145 

Immortal  Strength  and  Bacchanalian  Frenzy. 

When  he  had  eagerly  devoured  the  flesh 

Of  the  slain  ox,  he  eat  green  figs,  in  notes  -j    ^.^ 

So  unharmonious  bawling,  as  would  shock 

The  most  illiterate  Barbjirian's  ear. 


M.     162 


M.    irs 


M.    180 


M«     185 


The  canopy  of  the  immortal  Gods 

Is  that  bright  Ether  which  surrounds  the  Earth 

Whene'er  the  rich  man  speaks,  'tis  in  a  strain 
More  sweet  than  that  of  the  Pierian  Maids. 

O  spare  his  life  :  for,  by  the  laws,  to  slay 
A  suppliant,  is  forbidden. 

Would  ye  then  slay  me  for  the  words  I  spoke  ?  M.    181 

'Tis  most  astonishing  how  the  same  thing  1^     .«, 

Pleases  some  men,  but  is  to  others  hateful. 

To  her  am  I  indebted  for  my  safety. 

She  is  my  Mother,  Sister,  Servant,  Nurse, 

My  anchor  and  my  tutelary  roof. 

Evil  society  corrupts  good  morals.  M,  i89 

Remote  from  any  houses  there  I  dwelt.  M,  i96 

Twere  base  to  speak,  and  grievous  to  be  silent.  M.  200 

He  struggled  in  the  snare,  but  could  not  'scape,  M.  202 

Without  a  wave  the  dimpled  ocean  smiles.  M,  208 

In  me  the  greatest  frenzy  would  it  prove,  ^^j     ^^^ 

]f  I  the  children  of  a  stranger  nurtur*d. 

Midst  their  domestics,  women  find  respect, 

ituling  the  city,  but  unlike  a  friend.  ^    *20 

Still  are  these  Heralds,  a  loquacious  brood,  M-    221 


M.    iil9 


INDEX. 


A. 


AbSYRTES,  son  of  iEetes,  king  of  Colchos,  murdered  by  his  tista^ 
Medea,  i,  256,  308. 

Acanuu,  son  of  Theseus,  and  king  of  Athens,  jointly  with  hb  brothel' 
Demophoon,  i,  7  ;  ii,  79,  468. 

Acaaiits,  son  of  Pelias,  a  Thessalian  king,  i,  4S6.  Expels  Peleus  from 
his  domiuions,  ii,  338. 

Accuatdim  of  Polymestor  by  Hecuba,  i,  52.  Of  Helen  by  Hecuba,  ii,  331. 

Achtem,  second  son  of  Xutlius  and  Creusa,  iii,  174. 

^cAaia,  a  province  in  the  Peloponesus,  named  fromAcfaaens,  ib.  but 
sometimes  used  to  signify  Greece  in  general. 

AeheUmSf  a  river  dividing  ^^olia  from  Acamania,  ii,  374.  The  most 
antient  of  rivers,  ib. 

Acheron,  a  river  m  the  infernal  regions,  i,  224,  408,  410;  iii,  311. 

AchiUes,  ^n  of  Peleus  and  Thetis,  his  birth  and  exploits  foretold,  ii,  125. 
Educated  by  Chiron,  ib,  104.  Disguised  in  female  apparel  at  the  palace 
of  Lycomedes,  iii,  390.  Swift  of  foot,  ii,77.  Said  to  have  been  a  suitor 
of  Helen,  iii^  8.  Comes  a  volunteer  to  the  siege  of  Troy^  ii,  70,  111. 
Offers  his  protection  to  Iphigenia,  ii,  119.  Attends  tiie  sacrifice  of 
that  princess,  ii,  153.  Drags  the  body  of  Hector  round  the  walls  of 
Troy,  i,  456.  Slain  by  Paris,  ib.  17.  His  ghost  appears  and  den^ds 
a  virgin  to  be  sacrificed  at  his  tomb,  ib.  7.     , 

Aermus,  king  of  Argos,  iii,  313.  The  oracle  given  to  him  by  Apollo,  ib* 
Imprisons  hts  daughter  Danae  on  (fiscovering  her  pregnancy,  ib.  315. 
Exposes  her  and  her  infant  son  Perseus  on  the  sea  in  a  wooden  chest, 
ib.349. 

Acteem,  son  of  Aiistsnsand  Autonoe  one  of  Cadmus*s  daughters,  ii,  401. 
Devoured  by  his  own  hounds,  ib.  361. 

AdmetuSf  king  of  Pheraea  m  Tbessaly,  saved  by  his  wife  Alcestis  volun- 
tarily dymg  in  his  stead,  i,  390.  Reproaches  Pheres  his  father, ib.  421. 
Entertains  HerculeSp  who  restores  Alcestis  to  him,  ib«  437. 

Adms,  beloved  by  Venus,  slain  in  hunting,  i,  384. 

Adoption  of  other  men's  children  censured,  w,  371^ 


42(1  INDEX. 

Adrastea,    See  Nemesis. 

Adrashu,  son  of*  Talaus,  and  kins;  of  Argos,  gives  his  two  daughters  in 
marriage  to  Tydeus  and  Polyiiices,  i,  177  ;  ii,  9*  Leads  his  troops 
against  Thebes,  i,  178.  Is  defeated,  ib,  S18.  Flies  to  Eleosine,  and 
implores  tlie  assistance  of  Theseus,  iL  7.  His  encomiom  on  his  slain 
friends,  ib.  45,  46,  47. 
Adrastus,  son  of  Pclynices,  ii^  80. 
Adriatic  sea,  or  gulph  of  Venice,  i,  352. 

Advice  of  a  father  to  his  son,  iii,  351.    To  his  daughter,  ib.  382. 
Adultery  became  frequent  from  the  examples  of  those  of  hi^  rank, 
i,  336.    Instances  of  it  among  the  Gods,  ib.  338.      Considered  as 
more  criminal  in  a  woman  than  in  a  man,  iii,  296. 
JEaciis,  son  of  Jnpiter  and  .£gina,  i,  506.    His  amour  with  Psamatlie, 

one  of  the  Nereids,  iii,  3. 
Aedon,  daughter  of  Pandareus,    and  wife  of  Zetfaus,  changed  into  a 
,  nightingale,  ii,  i67. 

Mgean  sea,  dividing  Greece  from  Asia,  ii,  336. 
MgenSy  son  of  P9ndion  king  of   Athens,  itwears  to  protect  Mjedea, 

i,  284. 
^ialeuSf  son  of  Adrastus  king  of  Aigos,  ordained  to  lead  the  Epigoni, 

w,  63. 
Mgina,  daughter  of  ^opus  king  of  Boeotia,  ii,  103. 
MgiSy  Minerva's  shield,  formed  of  the  Gorgon's  liide,  iii,  142. 
JElgia^  a  son  of  Ion,  so  named  from  Minerva's  shield,  iii,  174. 
JEgisthuSf  son  of  Thycstes,  assists  Clytemnestra  in  the  murder  of  Aga- 
memnon, and  usurps  tlie  throne  of  Argos,  iii,  245.    Is  slain  by  Ores- 
tes, ib.  287.    Castor  and  Pollux  order  his  body  to  be  interred,  ib.  307. 
Mgypty  watered  by  the  Nile,  iii,  3,    Tljie  real  Helen  placed  there  during 

the  siege  of  Troy,  ib.  5, 86. 
JEgyfptMy  ^on  of    Belus,  sails   to   Argos  with  his  fifty  sons,  iii,  337. 
His  spns  murdered  by  their  wives,  the  daughters  of  his  brother  Da- 
nau^,i,.40;  iii,  221.    Accuses  Danaus  before  tfie  assembled  citizens 
of  Argos,  i,  103. 
Mlimiif  or  lamentation  for  the  death  of  Linus,  i,  128 ;  i^,  193. 
JEneaSy  son  of  Anchiscs  and  Venus,  advises  Hector  to  send  a  spy  into  the 

Grecian  camp,  ii,  247. 
JEma,  a  city  of  Penlixbia  in  Thessaly,  ii,  80. 
JEnigma  of  the  8ph>nx  solved  by  Oedipus,  i,  161» 
^oluSj  a  descendant  from  Jupiter,  iii,  1Q4.    Son  of  Hellen,  ib.  321 . 
^rope,  daughter  to  Creteus  son  of  Minos,  Wife  of  Atreus,  and  Mother 
to  Agamemnon  and  Menelaiis,  i,  61.    Seduced  by  Thyestes,  i,  109; 
iii,  282. 
^sculainwf,  son  of  Apollo,  able  by  his  skill  m  medicine  to  restore  the 

dead  to  life,  i,  395.    Slain  by  the  thunderbolts  of  Jupiter,  ib.  389. 
JEtkra,  daughter  of  Pitthens,  and  Wife  to  £geus  king  of  Athens,  ii,  3. 
Persuades  her  son  Theseus  to  comply  with  the  request  of  Adrastus  §od 
the  Suppliant  Argive  matrons,  ib.  18t 


INDEX, 


421 


JEhm,  a  inmmtaiii  in  Picily,  opposite  the  coast  of  Phoenicia,  ii,  299.  Oc- 
cupied by  the  Cyclops,  ib.  413,  Sacred  to  Vulcan,  ib.  443.  Thrown 
by  Minerva  upon  the  Giant  Enceladas,  iii,  2 IT. 

JEtolianSy  situated  at  the  extremity  of  Europe,  and  considered  as  half 
Barbarians,    i,  165.    Expert  in  throwing  the  spear,  ib.    Drive  the 

•    Thrban  troops  from  the  ramparts,  i,  217. 

Africuy  antiently  called  Libya,  from  Libya  the  daughter  of  Epaphus, 


1, 191. 


Agamemiion^  son  of  Atreus  and  £rope,  king  of  Argos,  i,  r.l.  Marries 
Ciyteronestra,  daughter  of  Tyndams,  by  whom  he  has  three  daughters 
and  a  son,  1, 62.  Chosen  general  of  the  Grecian  troops,  who  are  de- 
tained by  a  calm  in  the  bay  of  Aitlis,  ii,  71.  Consents  to  tlie  sacrifice 
«f  his  daughter  Iphi^enia,  ii,  95.  Veils  his  face  on  seeing  Iphigenia 
borne  to  the  altar,  ii,  152.  Attempts  to  save  Polyxena,  i,  7.  Con- 
nives at  Hecuba's  revenging  herself  on  Polymestor,  i,  40.  Retnrns 
.    victorious  from  Troy,  and  is  murdered  by  his  Wife  Clyteaincstra  and 

her  paramoiur  ^gisthus,  iii,  245. 
.  AgoMf  daughter  of  Cadmus  and  wife  of  Echion,  ii,  355.    Tears  in  pieces 
'    her  own  son  Penthens,  mistaking  him  for  a  wild  beast,  ii,  596.    Jicai^ 

his  head  to  Cadaius  as  a  trophy,  ii,  403. 
Agenor,  king  of  Phoenicia,  father  cf  Cadmus,    who  founded  Tiiebes 
^i,  169.    His  other  sons,  iii,  403. 
AgUmros,  daughter  of  Cecrops  and  Agraulos,  iii,  92, 116. 
AgrauloSy  wife  to  Cecrops  king  of  Athens,  ib. 
Agytauy  a  name  given  to  Apollo  from  his  statues  being  erected  in  the 

public  streets,  iii,  97. 
AjaXy  son  of  Telamon,  commands  the  divisbn  of  the  Grecian  fleet  sent 
from  the  isle  of  8alamis,  which  was  subject  to  his  father,  ii,  81.    Puts 
an  end  to  his  own  life  on  Ulysses'  obtalsing  the  atmis  of  AchiUes, 
iii,  8. 
AjaXy  son  of  Oileus,  called  the  less^  ii,  79,  250.    Cassandra  ravished  by 
him,  though  she  fled  for  shelter  to  the  temple  of  Minerva,  ib.  294. 
On  which  Neptune  promises  to  wreck  the  Grecian  ships  on. the  rocks 
of  Caphareus,  ib.  295. 
Air,  a  changeful  element,  iii,  316.    Father  of  Gods  and  men,  ib.  403* 
AlG4eu8y  son  of  Perseus,  father  of  Amphitryon,  iii,  179. 
AUatliopSy  son  of  Pelops,  ii,  466. 

Alcestis,  daughter  of  Pelias,  and  wife  to  Admetns  king  of  Pherea  in 
Thessaly,  dies  to  save  her  husband,  i,  400,  408.    Restored  to  life  by 
Hercules,  ib.  437. 
Alcuks,  so  called  0>9m  Alcaeus,  his  grandfather.    See  Hercules, 
^icippc,  daughter  of  Mars  and  Agiauros,  ravished  by  Halirothins,  iii,  306# 
Aicmaoiif  son  of  Amphiareus  and  Eriphile,  iii,  324<.    His  altercation  with 

Adrastus,  his  mother's  brother,  ib.  326. 
Alcmenay  wife  cf  Amphitryon  and  mother  of  Hercules,  iii,  826.    Orders 
Eurysthens  to  be  put  to  d^tb,  ii,  502. 


428  INDEX* 

Jk^ime,  <huigjhter  of  Neptune  mid  Alcyone,  one  of  the  Pleiades^  tnns- 
formed  into  a  king-fisher,  (See  Halcyon)  ii,  314^ 

Jleius,  father  of  Auge,  viho  had  an  amour  with  Hercules,  iii,  392. 

iljftnaidflr,  a  name  of  Paris,  ii,  330. 

AUeWy  held  in  contempt  at  Athens,  iii,  125, 138. 

Alope,  daughter  of  Orcyon,  an  Arcadian  robber,  who  after  having  ad- 
mitted the  embraces  of  Neptune,  and  bemg  delivered  of  Hippothoon, 
the  fruit  of  that  amour,  was,  according  to  Pausanias,  murdered  by  her 
father,  iii,  3S7. 

A^phe^y  a  river  separating  Elis  fromNestoi's  city  of  Pylos,  in  Meatenia, 

.u,8d: 

AUar  of  Apollo  at  Athiens,  erected  by  the  younger  Pisistratus,  ii,  62. 
Of  Diana  in  Tauris,  on  whicb  human  victuns  were  sacrificed,  ib.  146. 
Of  Hercaean  Jupiter,  erected  by  Priam,  who  is  murdered  before  it  by 
Neoptolemus,  i,  4;  ii,  292,  310.  Of  Jupiter,  erected  by  Hercules  m 
Thebes,  after  conquering  the  Minyans,  iii,  181.  Ouf^t  not  to  shelter 
^criminals,  ib.  421. 

AUhttiif  daughter  of  Thestius,  and  vtiSe  to  Oeneus  king  of  Calydon, 
iii,  373.  Beloved  by  Bacchus,  whose  followers^  the  Satyrs,  danced 
l>efore  her  gate,  ii,  414. 

Jmazons,  subdued  bj  Hercules,  iii,  150, 195. 

Ambition,  a  malignant  Goddess,  i,  183. , 

Ammou,  or  Jupiter  Hammon's  temple,  i,  395 ;  iii,  282. 

Amphanea,  a  Doric  city,  iii,  194. 

Amphiareiu  the  soothsayer,  son  of  Oicleus,  one  of  the  seven  Chiefr  who 
attended  Adrastus  to  the  siege  of  Thebes,  i,  166.  Bears  a  shield 
without  any  ornaments,  i,  214.  The  earth  opens  and  swallows  him  np 
as  he  is  flying  from  the  siege  of  Thebes,  ii,  26«  Adrastus's  encomiums 
on  him,  ib.  48. 

Amphiony  son  of  Jupiter  and  Antiope,  iii,  333.  The  walls  of  Thebes 
erected  by  the  sound  of  his  lyre,  i,  200.  He  and  his  Brother  Zethus 
become  kings  of  Thebes,  iii,  180.    His  tomb  near  Thebes,  ii,  35. 

AmphUtite,  daughter  of  Nereus,  and  wife  of  Neptune,  ii,  176. 

Amphitryon,  son  of  Alcseus,  and  father  of  Hercules,  estulta  in  having  bad 
Jupiter  for  the  partnfer  of  his  Nuptial  bed,  iii,  179, 192.  Banished 
from  Argos  for  having  accidentally  killed  Electryon,  the  father  of  his 
wife  Alcmena,  ib.  179.  In  his  youth  conquered  the  Taphmns,  ib.  181« 
Is  promised  by  Hercules  that  his  body  shallf  after  his  decease,  be  re- 
moved for  interment  from  Thebes  tp  Athens,  ib.  241. 

Jtnycia,  a  Spartan  city,  ii,  331. 

Amymone,  daughter  of  Danatis,' beloved  by  Neptune,  i,  167* 

Anachtonisms,  of  Euripides,  i,  201, 364>  410;  ii,  62,  428 ;  iii,  98, 150. 

Amtpke,  one  of  the  iahmds  called  Spoiades,  in  tlie  Cretan  sea,  i,  269. 

AnauroSy  from  ^  a  privativo**  and  ot;^,  ^  air,**  a  Thessalian  river,  whose 
som-ce  is  on  mount  Pelion,  iii,  1914. 

Anaxibioy  daughter  of  Atreus,  and  wife  of  Strophius  king  of  Phocis,  ii,  202. 


•  IJfDEX.  429 

AitirifmadUf  dani^ter  to  Action  king  of  tliebes  b  Cilicia,  and  wife  of 
Hector^  i,  451.  After  her  husband's  deaith  becomes  the  prisoner  tind 
concnblne  of  Neopttrfemns/  ib«  452.  XJunenfs  the  £ite  of  her  son 
Astyanax,  sentenced  to  be  thrown  from  the  battlanents  of  Troy,  li, 
331,  322.  She  and  Molossus,  her  son  by  Neoptol^nSy  are  fa¥ed  by 
Peleos  from  Menebus  and  Hermione,  i,  484. 

AndnmedOy  dandier  to  Cephens  king  of  .£thlo|»a,  saved  by  Perseus 
from  a  sea-monster,  to  whom  she  had  been  exposed,  iii,  3C 

AfUenor,  a  Trojan  senator,  iii,  405. 

Antigoney  danghter  of  Oedipus  and  Jocasta,  i,  231 ;  iii,  331. 

AntUochuSy    son  of  Nestor,  slain  by  Memnon,  iii,  49. 

Anttope^  wife  of  the  elder  Lycns  king  of  Thebes,  iii,  333. 

Aphrodite f  a  name  of  Venns^  from  aip^mm,  folly^  ii,  332. 

ApkUtmu,  a  Thesealian  river,  i,  20 ;  ii,  105. 

ApoUo,  son  of  Jupiter  and  Latona,  his  name  derived  from  omtfjutf,  or 
rather  anra^xuv,  **  to  destroy,**  iii,  397.  Bom  in  the  isle  of  Deloa,  ii, 
223.  Kills  the  Python/ ib.  224.  Establishes  his  orade  at  Ddphi^ 
ib.  lk»  a  son  by  Creusa,  who  is  educated  at  I>«^phi,  and  called 
Ion,  iii,  94.  Redoeed  to  servitude  in  the  liouse  of  Admetns,  i,  389; 
Buflt  the  waDi  of  Troy,  ii,  325.  Saves  Orestes,  whom  he  had  com- 
manded to  slay  his  motiier  Clytemnestra,  i,  141 ;  ii,  206. 

ApoUgff  of  Ctytenmestra^  fbr  having  murdered  her  hnaband  Agamemnon, 
iii,  295.  Offiteoeles,  for  exdnding  his  brother  from  his  share  of  the 
Theban  throne,  i,  180.  Of  Helen,  for  deserting  her  husband  Mene- 
laiis,  ii,  329.    Of  Polymestor,  for  having  murdered  Polydore^  i,  50. 

Appie,  golden,  given  by  Paris  to  Venus,  the  cause  of  th^  destruction  of 
Troy,  i,  28,  465.  Tikaik  by  Hercules  from  the  garden  of  the  Hee- 
perides,  iii,  195* 

Arabia  FeUx,  traversed  by  Bacehns  in  his  Asiatic  expeditioia,  ii^  349. 

Areadia,  tiie  inland  region  of  the  Peiopoiiesiis,  ii^  391. 

Archdmu,  kingof  Macedon,  the)>atran  of  JBnivpides.    P;«^ce. 

ArchdauSy  son  of  Temenus,  a  descendant  of  Hercules,  iii,  337. 

Areopagus,  tiie  euprem^  conrtT  of  jildicatixve  at  Athens,  from  Agn?, 
**  Mars,"  and  iiayv,  'fa  JtuU,"  <hat  God  having  been  first  tried  there 
for  the  murder  of  HaliBotfiius,  ii,  205;  iii»  396< 

Arethusa,  a  celebrated  fountain  in  Eubcea,  ii,  75. 

Argades,  the  third  son^pf  Ion,  iii,  17^ 

Argines  march  against  TJ^ebes  in  siq>port  .of  polynices'  plaim  to  the 
throne,  i,  178.    Are  defeated  with  ^raat  slwghter,  i,  218. 

Argo^  the  ship  v^hsch  xumveg^  Jaaan  and  liis  friends,  thence  called 
Argonauts,  to  Colchos  in  quest  of  the  golden  fleece,  built  with  pines 
hewn  from  mouptPehon,  i,  :^49. 

ArgoSf  a  city  in  the  Peloponesus,  founded  by  Xnachus,  iii,  338.  The 
ships  it  furnished  for  the  siege  of  Troy,  couMOfinded  by  Eury^us  and 
"Stiienehis,  ii,  79.  Sometimes  uied  to  sig^y  aU  confeierate  Greece, 
lb.  93.  Perpetually  confounded  by  Euripides,  with  tiiA, neighbouring 
city  of  Mycene,  i,  151.  , 


4d0  INDEX. 

ArgMM^  the  keeper  of  lo^  with  In  hondred  eytt»  pictnicd  do  the  ikidd  «f 

Hippomedoo,  i,  164,  215. 
Ariaime^  dwof^ttr  of  Minosy  betrayed  by  TheBev,  and  afteiwaidi  mv- 

ried  to  Baccfans,  i,  S32. 
^fiitetw,  ton  of  Apollo,  and  hosband  of  Aotonoe,  oae  of  Cadmos*  dngjk- 

ten,  ii,  401* 
jfrmanal  bearings  of  tbe  seren  Chiefs,  liho  marched  agunst  Hiebas, 

i,  164,  215. 
Amu  boiTowed  by  lolansfiom  the  Temple,  ii,  486« 
Jrtemii.    See  Diana, 

Anay  remarkable  for  Hs  great  riches,  iii,  206. 
AufUMy  a  river  between  Athens  and  Thebes,  ii,  29,  379. 
Aslnlag^en  represented  as  impostors,  iii,  412. 
AHyanaXf  son  of  Hector  and  Andromache,  thrown  from  the  battlements 

of  Troy,  ii,  337*    Ordered  to  be  boned  ia  the  shield  of  his  fishery 

ib.  338. 
Atylunu  oagfat  not  to  shelter  criminab,  iii,  159,  421. 
jfiahnia,  daughter  of  Jams  king  of  Arcadia,  hated  by  Venos,  iii,  374 « 

A  companion  of  Diana,  i,  165.    Mother  to  Partheno  papas,  ib. 
Ati,  daagfater  of  Jupiter,  Goddess  of  vengeance,  i,  293w 
jHhamoBy  aThessalianking,  sonof  JEolus,  iii,  321,  358k 
jitheittUxU  language  of  Bellcrophon,  iii,  343.    Of  Sisyphns,  ib.  388. 
jfthemam  sprung  from  their  own  soil,  iii,  92,  353.    In  a  state  of  free- 
dom under  the  government  of  Theseus,  ii,  19. 
MhenMj  from  fAm,  Minerva,  a  city  of  note  in  Greece,  iii,  91.  Its  praises, 

i,  287;  11,12,462;  iii,  353. 
AtlaSy  supports  the  Heavens  on  his  shoulders,  iii,  91.    Relieved  from  his 

burden  by  Hercules,  lb.- 195.    Stationed  in  Ethiopia  on  the  remotest 

bounds  of  the  world,  i,  352,  353,  367. 
AlreiUt  son  of  Pelops,  fieitfaer  of  Agamemnon  and  Menelaus,  i,  61. 

Kills  the  children  of  Tbyestes,  and  pbces  them  before  their  father 

at  a  banquet,  ib. 
Attendant,  points  out  to  Antigone  from  a  tower  tiie  Theban  dnefsy 

i,  165.    Informs  Andromache  of  Menehius*  and  Hermione's  designs, 

ib.  453.    Gives  Clytemnestra  an  account  of  the  sacrifice  of  Jphigenia, 

ii,  t51. 
Attica,  spoken  of  as  consisting  of  four  cities,  ii,  456. 
Avaricey  its  baleful  eifects,  iii,  316.  ^ 

Auge,  daughter  of  Ateios,  seduced  by  Hercules,  iii,  340,  392. 
Aulis,  a  sea-port  in  Boeotia,  the  Greek  fleet  wind-bound  there,^  iiy71, 

1S9. 
'  Aurora,  Goddess  of  the  morning,  her  love  for  Cephalus,  i,  338.    And 

for  Titbonus,  ii,  326. 
Autohfcw,  a  fragment,  iii,  341. 

Autimoe,  daughter  of  Cadmus,  and  wife  of  Aristacus^  ii|  356*    Assists  in 
•    the  murder  of  Pentheus,  ib.  397. 
Axw8,  a  Macedonian  river,  ii,  371. 
4I91,  «  district  in  Arcadia,  i,  141. 


INDEX  431 


B< 


BaccJumaUans  come  from  Lydia,  and  introduce  their  otgieft  at  Thebes, 

ii,  351* 
Baeehns,  son  of  Jupiter  and  Sfimele^  comes  in  dis^is^  to  Thebes, 
ii,  SUf,  Sent  to  prison  by  Pentlieus,  ib.  369.  Bursts  his  bonds,  and 
destroys  the  palace,  ib.  3.75.  Decoys  Pentheus  to  mount  Citfaseron, 
ib.  390.  Keassumes  his  own  form,  ib.  406.  Carried  off  from  Icaria 
by  some  Etrurian  pirates,  ib.  413.  He  and  his  votaries  haunt  mount 
]?arnassu9,  iht  224 ;  iii,  395.  Associates  with  Cybel^,  ib,  380.  Kills 
one  of  the  giants  with  his  Thyrsus,  ib.  99. 
Bmiishmentf  the  ancient  punkhment  for  homicide,  i^  85.    Attended  by 

the  greatest  miseries,  ib.  174,  278. 
Barbarians  neglect  paying  due.  honours  to  the  dead^  iy  15.    Their  inces- 
tuous amours,  ib.  459.    Not  a  term-  of  reproach,  but  universally 
adopted,  ii,  261. 
BardSf  charged  with  misrepresenting  the  Gods,  ii,  110 ;  iii,  237. 
.  Batiks  too  minutely  described,  ii,  45. 
Bear,  greater,  the  constellation,  represented  in  the  Delphic  tapestry,  iii, 

150. 
BearSy  the  two,  guard  the  nor  diem  pole,  iii,  381. 
Beauty  of  itself  insufficient  to  secure  the  affections  of  a  husband,  i,  460  ; 

iii,  415. 
^eUerophoHf  son  of  Glancus  king  of  Corinth,  mounted  on  Pcgasut;,  kills 
the  Chimsera,  iii,  98*    His  misfortunes  and  atheistical  language,  ib. 
343. 
Belt  of  Hippolyta,  the  Amaeon,  won  by  lierculCs  and  Theseus,  ii^  463. 
BibUne  wine,  from  Bibline^  a  district  of  Thrace,  iii,  153. 
Birdy  of  evil  omen,  iii,  203. 

BirdSf  announce  to  mankind  the  will  of  the  Gods,  iii,  97. 
Birthf  noble,  its  great  value,  i,  485* 
Bistonia*    See  Thrace.    ^ 

Blessings,  often  shoyvered  on  mankind  unexpectedly,  iii,  327. 
^  Boar  of  Calydon,  iii,  374. 
Bodies  of  slain  enemies  often  treated  wiih  indignity,  iii,  289. 
Bcebia,  a  lake  in  Thessaly,  near  mount  Ossa,  i,  419. 
Bceoiia,  sends  fifty  ships  to  the  siege  of  Troy,  ii,  79. 
Bonds  of  human  victifns  loosed,  i,  25 ;  ii,  229. 

Bow,  called  the  ^^eapon  of  a  dastard,  iii,  185.    Its  advantages,  ib.  186. 
Boy,  supposed  to  be  Melon  son  of  Eteoclus,  it,  58. 
Branches  borne  by  suppliants,  i,  77.;  ii,  3,  15. 
Braxaronia^  a  district  in  Attica,  where  stood  a  temple  of  Diana,  ii,  ^S5, 
Bread  and  water  sufficient  for  man,  iii,  319. 
^ride^'ooiiM  exempted  from  going  to  war,  ii,  110.    . 
Bramius,    See  Bacclms* 

Busiris,  king  of  ^gypt,  son  of  Neptune  and  Lysiaaassa,  daughter  of 
Epaphus,  iii,  348.  ..> , 


4M  INDEX. 


C. 


Cudmusy  800  of  Agenor  king  of  Phceiiicia.  iji,  364«  EJHi  tliedragoB, 
and  80W1  litt  teeth,  i,  190/  Foands  Thebes,  and  marrifs  Uannoma 
<ian|^ter  of  Mar*  and  Venos,  i,  t&9, 199.  Hii  mamage  honenred 
with  the  prefence  of  the  Gods,  ib.  200.  Reagos  the  throne  to  Pen- 
theus  fait  gruidsoti,  ii,  350.  Becomes  the  votary  of  Bacehm,  ib.  S54. 
Re  and  Hannonia  transformed  into  serpents,  ib.  406 ;  iii,  364. 

CakHuiM,  the  Grecian  soothsayer,  directs  Agamemnon  to  sacrifice  Iphl- 
genia,*  it,  71,  159.    Various  accounts  of  his  death,  ii,  lai. 

CaliriOf  daughter  of  Lycaon^  transformed  into  a  Bear,  iii,  2i. 

CaUiduire,  a  spring  near  Eleusine  in  Attica,  ii,  21 ;  iii,  147* 

OiZydoa,  a  city  of  iCtolia,  ui,  379,  377. 

CamsUTy  priroaiy  signification  of  the  word,  ii,  153. 

Capaneui,  one  of  the  seven  Chiefs  who  marched  against  Thebes,  his 
arrogant  boasts,  i,  167.  His  shield  described,  i,  215.  As  he  scales 
the  walls,  he  is  destroyed  by  a  thunderbolt,  i,  217.  Adrastus's  en- 
comiums on  him^  ii,  46.  Ili^  body  bomt  separately  as  being  sacred, 
ii,  49,  53. 

Caphareusy  a  rock  on  the  coast  of  the  island  of  Enbcea,  ii,  295.  • 

CarianSf  the  first  nation  who  fought  for  hire,  ii,  445. 

CanmSf  son  of  Jupiter  and  Europa,  a  celebrated  prophet,  i,  410. 

Carpsthlu,  a  city  in  the  island  of  Euboea,  on  the  shore  opposite  to  the 
Athenian  territories,  ii,  234. 

CassoTidra,  daughter  of  Priam  and  Hecuba,  iii,  321.  Inspired  by 
Apollo,  ib.  323.  Foretells  tlie  destruction  of  Troy,  ii,  108;  iv,  323. 
Kavtsbed  by  Ajax  Oileus,  ii,  294.  Selected  from  the  captives  by 
Agamemnon  for  his  concobiney  fb.  301*  Foretells  Agamemnon*s  and 
her  own  death,  ib.308,  309. 

Castalia,  a  fountain  near  Delphi,  at  the  foot  of  mount  Parnassus,  sacred, 
to  the  Moses,  ii,  224;  iii,  95* 

CastoTf  son  of  Jupiter  and  Leda,  ii,  296.  Affianced  to  Helen  before 
he  was  admitted  among  the  Gods,  iii,  260.  He  and  his  brother 
Pollux  two  stars,  ib.  11.  They  appear  to  Orestes  after  the  murder 
of  his  mother,  and  order  him  to  leave  Aigos,  ib.  305.  They  protect 
the  Mariner,  ib«  3li.  ^ 

Cate  of  the  Cyclops  on  mount  i£tna,  in  the  island  of  Sicily,  ii,  431. 
OfTrophoniusat  LebadiainBoBOtia,  iii,  104. 

Cecnpa,  tlie  founder  of  Atliens,  from'  whom  it  was  antiently  called 
Cecropia,  assimaes  in  part  the  form  of  a  serpent,  iii,  l5l. 

CfntaurSf  half  men  and  half  hones,  dwelt  on  mount  Pelion  in  Thessaly, 
ii,  104.  Attended  the  feast  of  the  Gods  at  the  nuptials  of  Peleus  and 
Thetis,  ib.  124.  Great  numbers  of  them  sbhi  by  Hercules,  iii,  194, 
234. 

Cephaleni,  an  island  in  the  Ionian  sea,  subject  to  Ulysses^  ii,  416. 

(;;ffhalu8f  beloved  by  Aurora^  and  caught  up  mto  Heaven,  i,  338* 


CfpIusMy  an  Athenian  river,  i,  387 ;  iii,  156. 

Cerberus,  the  three-headed  dog  of  hcU^  di*aggcd  to  the  tipper  world  hy 
Heituies,  ui»  180,  30d. 

Cerea,  dau^ter  of  Saturn  and  6ps,  goddess  of  Corti,  \^orship|>ed  at  £leo« 
sine,  ii,  3«  Mankind  indebted  to  her  for  solid  food,  ibi  358*  Xbe 
oracles  at  Atliens  direct  a  virgin  to  be  sacrificed  to  her,  ib.  472.  M'an* 
ders  over  the  world  in  quest  of  her  daughtor  Proserpine,  iii,  71. 

Ceyr,  kuig  of  Trachis,  tuiablc  to  protect  the  children  of  Hercules,  ii,  4G1. 
His  death  lamented  by  hib  wife  Alcyone,  changed  into  a  king-fisher, 
ii,  214.       ' 

Chalcis,  a  city  of  Enba^a,  on  the  shore  of  the  Eurip\is,  u,  75  j  ili,  94. 

Chambers  appropriated  to  tlie  separate  residence  of  tlie  women,  iii,  314. 

ChampUms  at  the  public  games,  a  race  of  men  totally  unserviceable  to 
tlieir  country,  iii,  341  • 

Changes  of  fortune  unexpectedly  brought  to  pass  by  the  Gods^  i,  3i3, 
448,  508 ;  ii,  409 ;  iii,  88,  347. 

Chms,  the  middle  space  betwixt  Heaven  and  Earth,  iii,  3044 

Charibdis,  a  gulph  near  the  coast  of  Sicily,  ii,  308. 

Chmioteer,  of  Rhesus,  charges  Hector  with  his  master^s  death,  ii,  S81» 

Chersonesus,  of  Tluncc,  separated  only  by  a  narrow  frith  from  Troya 
i,  37. 

Chess,  not  invented  till  long  after  the  times  of  Jason  and  Palamcdes,  ij 
251  j  ii,  76. 

Chest,  in  which  Ion  was  exposed,  lodged  as  a  votive  gift  in  &e  tempM 
of  ApoUo,  iii,  163. 

Children  the  greatest  of  blessings  to  their  parents,  i%  ^174  When  vv- 
tuoiBS,  ib.  115.  Doubtful  whether  productive  of  happiness  or  misery^ 
ib.  378.  Frequently  occasion  much  anJdety,  i,  298.  Always  resemble 
their  fathers,  iii,  325.  Few  but  what  degenerate  ft'olti  the  virtues  of 
their  ancestors,  ii,  469 ;  iii,  332.  Their  undutiful  behaviour  to  their 
parents  calls  down  vengeance  from  Heaven,  ui,  325. 

Chimanty  a  monster  slain  by  Bellerophon,  represented  in  tlie  painting 
in  Apolfo's  temple  at  Delphi,  iii^  ^8«  Wrought  also  on  the  coirasi 
of  Achilles,  ib.  266. 

Ckhon  the  Centaor,  son  of  Saturn,  and  tli6  nymph  I^iilira,  ii,  104. 
Attends  the  nuptial  festivity  of  Peleus  and  Thcti«,  and  foretells  tli^ 
birth  and'  exploits  of  Achilles,  ib.  1254  Entrusted  with  the  educa- 
tion  of  AcluUcSi  ib.  104.  After  liis  death  received  among  the  Gods,  ib« 

C/wr<i'6iw,  son  of  Mygdon,  an  ally  of  the  Trojans,  iii^  2(}G. 

Chrisi-thom^  the  Paliuras  of  tlie  antients,  ii,  -432. 

Ckrontdogy  frequently  disregarded  by  Euripides.    See  Anachronisms^ 

CkrysOf  a  city  of  Cilicia,  subject  to  Action  Andromache*s  father,  i, 

459. 
Chnjstppus,  son  of  Pelops,  iii,  403.    Treacherously  carried  off  by  Laiua 

king  of  Thebes,  i,  160. 

Chrt/sothemis,  daughter  of  Agan^enmon  and  Clytenmeslra,  i>  6f. 

Vol..  III.  F  P 


4S4  INDEX. 

Chtlumia,  a  name  of  Ceres,  iii,  205. 

Cilidans,  inhabitants  of  a  conntry  of  Asia  IVIinor  on  the  shore  of  the 

Mediterranean  sea,  and  allies  of  the  Trojans,  ii,  Q67, 
CiliXy  son  of  Agenor,  from  whom  Cilicia  received  its  name,  i!i,  403. 
Circe,  a  sorceress,  daughter  of  the  Sun,  ii,  308* 
CisHeuSf  a  Tliracian  king,  father  of  Hecuba,  i,  3. 
CUfucron,  a  moun^din  in  Bceotia,  near  Hiebes,   on  wliich  Oedipns  was 

exposed,  i,  160.    Pcntheus  there  torn  to  pieces  by  the  Bacchanalian 

Dames,  ii,  396. 
Cloud  formed  by  Juno  into  the  semblance  of  Helen,  and  borne  by  P^uis 

to  Troy,  iii,  5. 
Club  of  Theseus,  ii,  37.    Of  Hercules,  iii,  218. 
Clymene,  Mife  of  Merops,  and  motlier  of  Phaeton,  iii,  397. 
Clytemnestra,  daughter  of  Tyndarus  and   Ledii,  wife  to  Agamemnon, 

comes  to  the   Grecian  camp  at  Aulis,  ii,  89.    Implores  Achilles  to 

protect  her  daughter  Iphi<;ema,  ib.  118.    Upbraids  Agamemnon,  ib. 

129.    Murders  him  witli  lier  own  hand,  i,  62  ;  iii,  302.    Marries  her 

paramour  ^gisthus,  who  usurps  the  throne  of  Argos,  ib.  245.    Is 

slain  by  her  own  children  Orestes  and  Electra,  i,  62 ;  iii,  302. 
Co,  daughter  of  Merops  the  Titan,  iii,  21. 
CocijtuSf  a  river  in  the  inf?rnal  re2;ion8,  i,  411. 
Coioneus,  a  temple  of  Neptune  ftear  Alliens,  Ihe  place  "where  Oedipus 

was  to  die,  i,  242. 
iComtef  of  Eteocles  and  Polynices,  i,  226-— ^29. 

Confidants  apt  to  give  pernicious  advice  to  a  metrried  woman,  i,  348, 
♦     492. 
Contest  of  the  tliree  rival  Goddesses,  Juno,  Minerra,  and  Veniis,  ii,  136.  i 

Copreus,  herald  to  Eurystlieus  king  of  Argos,  ii,  455,  466.  j 

Corinth,  a  city  of  Achaia,  situated  between  two  seas,  on  the  Isthmus 

which  joins  Peloponesus  to  tlie  main  continent  of  Greece,  iii,  S4S.  | 

The  Isthmian  games  there  celebrated,  ii,  33§,  I 

Com  first  appeared  at  Eleusine,  ii,  4. 
Corybantes,  priests  of  Cybele,  1,  324 ;  ii,  352. 
Corycia,  a  mountain  in  Cilicia,  ii,  371. 
Country  in  which  he  was  born,  dear  to  a  wise  man,  ii,  26.  Dear  to  every 

man,  i,  173. 
Cranes,  tlitir  flight  described,  iii,  79. 
'CrathiSf  a  river  of  Calabria,  on  whose  ban]|LS  stood  the  city  of  Sybaris^ 

ii,  299. 
Creon,  king  of  Corinth,  gives  his  daughter  in  marriage  to  Jason,  i,  249. 

iSentences  Medea  to  banishment,  i,  265.    Is  destroyed  by  her  en- 
'    chantments,  i,  302. 
Creon,  king  of  Thebes,  son  of  Menasceus,  aUd  brother  to  Jocasta,  i,  159. 

Refuses  to  sacrifice  his  son  the  younger  Menaeceus,  i,  208.    Succeeds 

his  nephew  Eteocles,  i,   235*    Banishes  Oedipus  from  Thebes,   ib. 

Commands  the  body  of  Polynices  to  be  cast  forth  unbuned,  i,  237, 

Will  not  allow  the  remains  of  the  Argives  to  be  interred,  ii,  3.    R«- 


INDEX.  435 

quires  Theseus  to  expell  Adrastus  &om  his  dom^os^  ib«  24.  Is  defeated^ 
(  ib.  38«    Marries  his  daughter  Megara  to  Hercules,  iii,  179.    Slain  by 

Lycus,  "who  usurps  his  throne,  ib.  180. 
Creontiades,  second  son  of  Hercules  and  Megara,  iii,  197.    Slain  by  his 

distracted  father,  ib,  220.       '      . 
CrespJumtes,  king  of  Messenia,  a  fragment,  iii,  364. 
u  Cretan  Priests,  a  fragment,  iii,  3G7. 

J,  Cretan  Virgins,  a^fragment,  iii,  366, 

Cret^y  an  island  in  the  Mediterranean  sea,  ii,  330. 
^  Cr^Aeitf,  sonof  ^k)lus,  iii,  31^1. 

.Crevutty  daughter  to  Erectheus  king  of  Athens,  deflowered  by  Apollo, 
iiiy  91.    Secretly  delivered  of  a  son  whom  she  exposes^  ib.  92.    Mar- 
ries Xuthus,  ib.  93.    Comes  to  Delphi  to  consult  the  oracle,  ib.  lOO. 
g^  Endeavours  to  poison  Ion,  thinking  him  the  son  of  Xuthus,  ib,  145. 

ig  Acknowledges  her  son,  on  seeing  the  chest  in  which  she  had  exposed 

],  him,  ib.l64. 

^  Cupidf  Venus'  son,  God  of  Love,  his  quiver  stored  with  two  sorts  of 

];  arrows,  ii,  96.    Subdues  both  Gods  and  men,  i,  377. 

Curetes,  priests  of  Cybele,  who  had  the  care  of  the  infant  Jupiter,  ii,  352. 
Cwrsea,  denounced  against  Laius  by  Pelops,  i,  159,  235.    Against  Eteo- 
cles  and  Polynices  by  Oedipus,  i,  162,   ^.  .  A^unst  Hippolytus 
by  Tlieseus,  i,  319,  359,  376. 
Cywean  rocks  at  the  entrance  of  the  Euxine  sea,  passed  by  the  Argo^  i, 
249,  269,  304.    By  Orestes  and  Pylades,  ii,  168.    By  lo  in  her  flight 
from  Europe  to  Asia,  ib.  175. 
Cybele,  wife  of  Saturn,  and   mother  to  the  Gods,  ii,  351.    Receives 
y     the  timbrel  from  her  priests  the  Curetes  and  Corybantes,  and  dehvers 
it  to  the  Satyrs,  ib.    352,    Worshipped  on  mount  Ida,  i,  130 ;   iii, 
380. 
Cycladesy  several  small  islands,  forming  a  circle,  in  the  .£gean  sea,  iii, 
.  174. 

CychpSf  sons  of  Neptune  and  Amphitrite,  some  of  tliem  forge  the  thun- 
derbolts with  which  Jupiter  destroys  .^culapius,  for  which  they  are 
slain  by  Apollo,  i,  389.    Assist  Perseus  in  erecting  the  walls  of  My- 
.     cene,  ii,  149  s  iii»  218.    live  i^  caves  on  mount  i£tna  in  Sicily,  ii, 
413. 
Cycnus,  son  of  Mars,  slain  by  the  shafts  of  Hercules,  i,  414 ;  ii,  194«, 
Cynossema,  the  tomb  of  Hecuba  in  the  Thracian  Chersonesus,  i,  56, 
Cyprtis,  an  island  in  t^e  Me^terranean  sea  sacred  to  VenuS;  ii^  363, , 


IS, 

% 


^, 


:9. 

ID- 

.9. 
(is 
b. 


H/pdalujt,  a  fsunous  Athenian  artifioorj  iii,  lo^,  050. 

Dame,  daughter  of  Acrisius  king  of  Argos,  the  name  derived  from  ^, 
*<  a  long  time,"  iii,  3l4.  Becomes  pregnant  by  Jupitei-'s  approaching 
her  transformed  into  a  shower  of  gold,  ib*  31$.    Impiisoned  by  l^or 

F  r  s' 


456  iNDtx. 

% 

fttiier,  ib.    Es^NJWd  nlA  Inr  infimt  smi  Pct'sMu  hi  k  wo64en  cli^st 

and  borne  by  Ibe  winds  to  Seripbns  one  of  tfac  C^rlades,  ib.  t949. 
Mkmaiy  a  name  given  to  the  Aiptes  (tvbo  were  before  ctBed  l^da^ians) 

from  their  king  Danaos,  Hi,  338. 
DmuMS  lea?es  Egypt,  and  establishes  himself  dn  the  throne  of  Afwos, 

iiiy  338.    Accused  by  his  Irrother  ^^^yptns,  and  tried  by  the  Argive; , 

iy  103. 
Dammit  daughters  murder  their  husband,  the  sols  df  JEgyplos^  i,  40, 

«39;  iii,  2«1. 

Dance  of  the  sun,  moon,  and  stars,  iii,  147,  381. 

DardamUj  son  of  Jupiter,  who  settled  in  nrygfai,  and  fennrfed  tiit 
city  first  cidlel  torn  him  Oardania,  but  afterwards  Troy,  ii,  344. 

ikath  conies  in  person  to  demand  Ahseslis,  i,  590.  Vanquished  by 
Hercules,  i,  446.  l^niversafly  lottlhed,  ii,  133;  ii,  3^5.  Puts  an  end 
to  strife  and  pain,  ib.  333.  ImposHMe  to  be  avottM,  i,  4S7;  iii,  40C. 
Preferable  to  a  wretched  life,  ii,  317.  An  effectual  c«re  fhr  all  evils, 
ib.  480.  Not  dreadfd,  "b^cMse  6rdflh)ed  by  Necesiity,  iii,  395,  396. 
May  be  Uie  road  to  a  new  Iffi?,  ib.  40?. 

Debts  paid  at  the  n^um  of  the  moon,  i,  404. 

Dtfmce  of  Orestes  bdbre  the  Argi^  people,  i,  i06.  At  Hie  AfMaAam 
Areopagus,  ii.  205.  Of  Pol>-mestor,  i,  50.  Of  fSpptolytus,  i,  364. 
Of  Helen,  ii,  329. 

Veieoon,  one  of  the  sons  of  Hercuhss  and  Bfdgttra,  fS,  197.  SKaln  by  Mis 
distfacfted  father,  ib.  tiiO, 

l^eidanna,  daughter  of  Lycomedes  king  of  ScyWn,  'pfegnant  by  AddUes, 
iii,  390. 

Deiphotfia,  son  of  Priam,  nfter  the  dekA  6f  histlrothcr  Paris,  Itilrcet 
Helen  to  marry  him,  ii,  330. 

Delos,  one  of  the  islands  called  C^clades  in  the  ^Egean  sea,  Apollo  and 
Doma  bom  (here,  i,  ^l ;  fi,  ^f3. 

Delphi,  a  city  in  Pbocis,  where  Apollo  established  his  oiacle,  i,  499. 
Supposed  to  be  the  center  of  the  world,  fii,  91,  99. 

todphic  citix^ns  tmmler  NeoptMemns  the  son  of  AcliiHe^,  i,  497. 

Dentocraty,  its  advantages,  ti,  f  3.    Its  disadvantages,  i,  472 ;  n,  99, 

Demophoon,  son  of  Thesens,  and  king  of  Athens,  ii,  458,  Protects  the 
children  of  Hercules,  ii,  464. 

Diam,  daughter  of  Jupiter  atid  Latona,  bom  in  the  isle  of  Dtf  ea,  i, 
31 ;  n,  ^3,  Coroi Jcred  by  fltppOtytus  as  the  greatest  &f  the  tvods, 
i,  318.  Hie  patroness  of  vfrginity,  i,  320.  Her  sacred  fad^e,  i,  327. 
Makes  known  to  Tlieseus  tlie  innocence  of  Hippolytos,  i,  378.  Iphi^ 
genia  directed  to  be  sacrificed  to  her  at  Auiis,  ii,  71, 1>  .  Her  de- 
lighting in  human  victims  denied  by  UiatPrincete,  ib.  175.  Her  statue^ 
fallen  from  Heaven  into  her  temple  in  Tanric  Scythia,  ib.  163.  Cai<^ 
Tied  by  Orestes  to  Athdiis,  fb.  234. 

Dice^  and  not  Chess,  ktiotvn  in  the  ttitet  bf  J^onand  Pklkmedcs,  i, 
251;  ii,  76. 

DUi^iiia,  a  Orfenw  nytaflk,  frc^uenOy  confotmdcd  wffli  t^taw,  i,  3«4. 


IK|ȴ3^  437 

Bk^  br^tber  to  Fo^dectet  Ipng  «f  Ser^w,  om  of  ^  ^srobtdeii 

iii,  349* 
Diomedey  son  of  Tydens,  one  of  Ibe  l^^iliaiHi  wiH>  aveiv^  t)ie  d^th  of 

their  fathers,  and  sacked  Thffbep^  %  0d|    One  of  the  Gracian  chiefii 

assembled  at  AuUs»  ib.  76.    Advise  die  Aifives  to  iMin^A  Qipestef 

and  S|eoti%  i,  xo^.    Grandaon  of  0««eu8,  vi  377, 
Dionwif^,  a  Thr^^uan  Kinf >  hia  horses,  MF^ich  fod  oi(i  h|uiKin  6e^  snbt 

dued  by  {{or^Mle^,  i,  41^ ;  ui,  194. 
i)m0f  a  «<s^  nynq^hy  the  n^other  of  V^nus  by  Jupiter,  iii,  59. 
fXrctf  second  wife  of  Lycns  king  of  Th^hc^  tied  by  Zetlips  a^d  Am* 

yhioi^  her  sons  in  IfiMfi  to  the  horns  of  a  wild  bull,  iii,  180, 337.    A 

foniitaili  qear  TbeheSj  so  named  from  that  Prieste{||^   i,  343>    The 

fo9ptaiii  ciMlo4  IHlilghter  of  Ach^Unis,  ayd  ^l<y,  ii,  ^!ro,  374« 
DJbffhyM,  a  qio«9^  in£ub(ea|  iii,  186. 
J}Uhynmb¥8,  a  name  of  BacchnSi  4^Yod  from  &;  <'  twice**  and  9ufn 

"  a  gftte,"  Qp  account  of  his  beii\g  twice  li»oniy  %st  of  Sen^ele,  and 

then  of  the  thigh  of  Jupiter,  iii,  370. 
^mmi^mf  the  n^m  who  practises  it  uufrise,  i,  2or. 
Ihidona,  a  temple  and  oracular  grove  of  Jupiter,  in  l\|olossi^  a  diatriet 

of  Eptfus,  i,  209,  439. 
Dohm,  the  name  derived  from  Ai^wt,  <<  a  stilett0|''  ii,  248^    B^j^a|n« 

for  the  horses  of  AchiUes,  (^  hM  rew^rdi  ^«  ^*    Sets  out  for  ihp 

Grecian  camp  as  a  spy,  disguised  in  a  wolf^aliid^i  ib.  25!^.    3hun  kf 

yiyss^  Hi^  Pipmede,  ib,  270. 
DoruSf  son  (^  Xuthus  and  Qreussi,  ^qm  wbom  the  Poriaus  d^ny^  ^^^ 

nime,  iai,  174* 
fhve^  ktUed  by  tli^  poisoii  Intended  for  |an,  jii,  1^. 
Dower,  received  with  the  Bride  fvom  her  ^ther,  i,  258^  348, 458. 
I^figin^  usually  galled  the  Fython,  slain  by  ApoUo,  ii,  224* 
Jhmgon^  lijain  by  Ci|dipps,  its  teetlf  so^  PTPdupe  a  crop  of  warnorsj^ 

i,  190  J  ii,  79. 
Dragouy  which  guarded  the  golden  fleece,  slain  by  J^JK^)  ^tl)  the  asi^t^ 

ance  of  Medea,  i,  270. 
Dragons  draw  the  chariot  of  Ceres>  ii|i  72^ 
Dream  of  Htcnba,  before  tlje  Wrth  of  Paris,  iii,  S24.    Preyiou*  to  the 

sacrifice  of  Polyxena,  i,  5.    Of  Iphigenia,  in  regard  to  hfr  Qrotl^^^ 

Orestes^  ii,  160.    Of  the  Qbarj^teer  of  E|iepus,  |b.  279, 
Drugs  brouj^t  by  llelep  from  ^fypt^  i^,  131t 


Earth,   pafeut  of  dreams,  i,   5 ;   ii,    225,      Mofter  of  Tbemis,  ^h. 

Said  to  have  brought  forth  Ericthonius  king  of  Athens,  iii,  101,  122. 

Tlie  universal  Mother,  ib,  403,  418. 
EchinadeSy  islands  jn  the  Ionian  sc)|  near  die  ^outhof  the  river  ^he* 

lops,  ii,«l/  ' 


438  INDEX. 

Echumy  father  of  i^entfaeos^  spnmg  from  fbe  Dragon's  teeth  sown  by 
Cadmus,  ii,  370. 

^ho,  child  of  craggy  momitaniB,  i,  49. 

Edcnia,  a  maritime  district  of  Thrace,  i,  51. 

Effemhtaty,  renders  a  yomig  man  contemptible,  iii,  408. 

EidotJiea,  from  a^  ^  form"  and  9ta  ^  Goddess,'*  the  name  Theonoe, 
daughter  of  Proteos  king  of  .^Sgypt,  bore  in  her  infancy,  iii,  3. 

EilUhtfa,  the  Goddess  who  presides  over  uromen  in  travail,  iii,  114« 

Electra,  daughter  of  Agamemnon  and  Clytemnestra,  the  name  derived 
from  "  a  privativo"  and  >^xr^  *«  nn\tedded,"  i,  65.  Forced  by 
jLgistbns  to  take  a  peasant  for  her  nominal  husband,  iii,  246.  Re- 
cognises her  '.f'other  Orestes,  ib.  27^.  Assists  him  in  the  murder  of 
Clytenmestra,  ib.  302>  Consoles  him  under  his  distraction,  i,  72. 
Condemned  to  die  by  the  Argtves,  i,  103.  Advises  Orestes  to  seize 
Hermione,  i,  119.    Directed  by  Apollo  to  marry  Pylades,  i,  14?. 

EUctryon^  father  of  Alcmena,  i,  437.  Accidentally  killed  by  Ids  son-in- 
law  Amphitryon,  iii,  179. 

Eleusine,  a  town  in  Attica,  where  the  mystic  rites  of  Ceres  were  cele- 
brated, ii,  4;  iii,  205. 

Eleuthaisy    a  rock   near  Thebes  at    the   foot  of  mount  Cithaeron, 

•    ii,40. 

Efh,  a  region  in  the  Peloponesus  bordering  on  the  Ionian  sea,ii,  80. 

Eloquence^  a  free  gift  from  Heaven,  iii,  415.  ' 

Empire,  the  greatest  of  the  Gods,  i,  182.  Temptmg,  but  attended  with 
misery,  ii,  68.    No  desirable  object  to  a  wise  man,  i,  365. 

Eneeladusy  one  of  the  Giants,  sons  of  Titan  and  the  Earth,  assailed  by 
Minerva,  iii,  98.  Crushed  by  that  Goddess  under  mount  ^tna,  ib. 
217.    Silenns  boasts  of  having  slain  him,  ii,  413, 

Encomiums,  on  Athens,  i,  287  ;  iii,  353.  On  riches,  ib.  345.  On  em- 
pire, i,  182.  On  a  pibas  and  retired  life,  iii,  125.  On  equality,  i, 
183.  On  monarchy,  ib.  472.  On  noble  birth,  ib.  485.  On  a  demo- 
cratic government,  ii,  23. 

Ency,  a  malady  whose  origin  is  unknown,  iii,  358. 

fpapAuj,  son  of  Jdpiter  and  lo,  i,  191. 

Epeans,  the  antient  name  of  the  inhabitants  of  Elis,  from  one  of  their 
kings,  Epeus,  son  of  Endymion;  ii,  81. 

Epeus,  son  of  Panopeus,  inventor  of  the  wooden  horse,  ii,  291. 

Epidawrus,  a  city  between  Argos  and  Troczene,  i,  374  ;  ii,  37. 

Epigom,  sons  of  the  seven  Chiefs  slain  at  the  siege  of  Thebes,  ii,  63. 

EqtudUy,  not  to  be  found  in  real  Hfe,  i,  180 ;  iii,  421.  Its  praises, 
i,  183. 

Erecthem,  king  of  Athens,  i,  2p7  ;  iii,  351.  Sacrifices  his  daughtcre,  iii, 
102.    Is  slain  by  Neptune  at  the  cave  of  Macra,  ib.  103. 

Ericthomus,  king  of  Athens,  sprung  from  the  Earth,  iii,  99, 101,  142. 

Eriilflnus,  or  Po,  a  river  of  Italy,  in  which  Phai^ton  perished,  runs  uit» 
the  Adriatic  sea,  i,  352.  ^ 


INDEX*  439 

EryUitaay  an  island  near  the  coast  of  Spain,  subject  t*  the  giant  Ge- 
ryon,  iii,  196. 

BrythrOf  a  town  in  Bioeotia,  near  thefoot  of  mount  Cithfleron,  ii,  379- 

Eteocles,  the  elder  son  of  Oedipus  and  Jocasta,  having  agreed  to  divide 
the  kingdom  of  Tliebes  with  his  brother  Polynices,  breaks  the  com-- 
.  pact,  and  banishes  htm,  i,  16S«  His  speech  in  praise  of  Empire,  i, 
181.  He  and  his  brother  slay  eaoh  other  in  single  combat,  i,  2S8. 
Represented^  by  Adrastus,  as  having  proposed  moderate  terms  of 
peace;  ii,  39. 

Et€Qchis,  son  of  Ipbis  a  noble  Argive,  one  of  the  Chiefs  slain  at  the  siege 
of  Thebesi  his  poverty  and  integrity,  ii  46,  53. 

Etrurian  pirates  carry  off  Bacchus  from  Icaria,  in  order  to  sell  liim  in 
Asia,  ii,  413. 

Etrwian  tnimpet^  the  signal  for  an  engagement,  i,  227 ;  ii,  288,  492. 

Etan^  Evius,  Evoe,  names  of  Bacchus.    See  Bacchus. 

Evadne,  daughter -of  Iphis  and  widow  of  Capanens,  throws  herself  into 
the  funereal  py^e  of  her  deceased  husband,  ii^  52—56. 

Eubcea,  a  Grecian  island,  separated  from  BcBotia  by  the  Euripus,  ii,  75. 
Had  a  king  of  its  own,  and  furnished  fifty  shi^s  for  the  Ti'ojan  war, 
ii,  98.  Its  inhabitants  At  war  with  the  Athenians  in  the  reign  of'Erec- 
tfaeus,  iii,  93,  94. 

Efjevts,  arise  from  a  variety  of  causes,  ii,  496.  Ought  not  to  raise  our 
anger,  iii,  348* 

Ewneluf,  son  of  ^dmetus  and  Alcestis,  laments  his  Mother's  death,  i, 
408.    The  swiftness  of  his  horses,  ii,  77. 

Eumemdes,    See  Furies. 

EttmolpuSy  son  of  Neptune  and  Chione,  attacks  the  Athenians  with  an 
army  of  Thracians,  and  is  defeated,  i,  201 ;  iii,  355. 

Euripides^  a  short  account  of  his  Ufe,  in  tlie  Preface. 

EuripuSf  a  narrow  sea  between  Boeotia  and  the  island  of  Euba;a,  sub- 
ject to  storms,  ii,  75.  The  Grecian  fleet  detained  there  by  a  dead 
cabn,  ib.  67,  85, 110. 

J^vropttf  daughter  to  Agenor  king  of  Phcenicia,  carried  off  by  Ju- 
piter, who  assumed  the  form  of  a  bull,  iii,  402.  Mother  of  Sarpe- 
don,  ib.  242. 

EwqUis^  a  Spartan  river,  i,  28 ;  ii,  299. 

EuryaluSf  son  of  Mccisteus,  commands  the  Argive  division  of  the  Gre^ 
cian  fleet,  ii,  79. 

Eurystheus,  king  of  Argos  and  son  of  Sthenelus,  ii,  470.  Imposes  tiie 
severest  labours  on  Hercules,  ib.  455»  497.  Sends  a  herald  to  Athens 
to  claim  lolaus  and  the  children  of  Hercules,  ib.  459.  Declines  the 
challenge  of  Hyllus,  ih.  492.  Is  defeated  and  taken  prisoner,  ib. 
,  494.  Alcmena  commands  him  to  be  piit  to  death,  ib.  502.  A  frag- 
ment, iii,  356. 

EutyinSy  king  of  Oechalia,  father  of  lole,  i,  343. 

EuriftuSf  commander  of  the  troops  sent  from  Elis  to  the  Trojan  war, 
ii,  81. 


438  INDEK. 

Echinfiy  father  of  l^entheusj  spnmg  from  the  Dragon's  teeth  sown  by 
Cadmus,  ii,  370. 

EcAo,  child  of  craggy  momitams,  i,  49. 

Edmioy  a  marjtune  district  of  Thrace,  i,  51. 

EffemhUuy,  renders  a  yonng  man  contemptible,  iii,  408. 

EidotJiea,  from  «^of  "  form"  and  Bta  "  Goddess,"  the  name  Theonoe, 
daughter  of  Proteus  king  of  ^gypt,  bore  in  her  infancy,  iii,  3. 

EilUhya,  the  Goddess  who  presides  over  uromen  in  travail,  iii,  114. 

Electro,  daughter  of  Agamemnon  and  Clytemnestra,  the  name  derived 
from  "  «  privativo"  and  y^xr-^  <«  un\tedded/*  i,  6S.  Forced  by 
jLgisthus  to  take  a  peasant  for  her  nominal  husband,  iii,  246.  Re- 
cognises her  '.vother  Orestes,  ib.  272.  Assists  him  in  the  murder  of 
Clytemnestra,  ib.  30?.  Consoles  him  under  his  distraction,  i,  72. 
Condemned  to  die  by  the  Argives,  i,  103.  Advises  Orestes  to  seize 
Hermione,  i,  119.    directed  by  Apollo  to  marry  Pylades,  i,  142. 

Electryon,  father  of  Alcmena,  i,  437.  Accidentally  killed  by  life  son-m- 
law  Amphitryon,  iii,  179. 

Eleusine,  a  town  in  Attica,  where  the  mystic  rites  of  Ceres  were  cele- 
brated, ii,  4;  iii,  205. 

Eleuthcris,  a  rock  near  Thebes  at  the  foot  of  mount  Cithaeron, 
i!,40.  ' 

EUsy  a  region  in  the  Pcloponesus  bordering  oh  the  Ionian  sea,ii,  80. 

EloquericBy  a  free  gift  from  Heaven,  iii,  415.  *' 

Empire,  the  greatest  of  the  Gods,  i,  182.  Tempting,  but  attended  with 
misery,*  ii,  68.    No  desirable  object  to  a  wise  man,  i,  365. 

EnceladuSf  one  of  the  Giants,  sons  of  Titan  and  the  Earth,  assailed  by 
Minerva,  iii,  98.  Crushed  by  that  Goddess  under  mount  ^tna,  ib. 
217.    Silenus  boasts  of  having  slain  him,  ii,  413« 

Encomiums,  on  Athens,  i,  287  ;  iii,  353.  On  riches,  ib.  345.  On  em- 
pire, i,  182.  On  a  pibis  and  retired  life,  iii,  125.  On  equality,  i, 
183.  On  monarchy,  ib.  472.  On  noble  birth,  ib.  485.  On  a  demo- 
cratic government,  ii, '23. 

Enty,  a  malady  whose  origin  is  unknown,  iii,  358. 

Epaphtts,  son  of  Jupiter  and  lo,  i,  191. 

Epetms,  the  antient  name  of  the  iiAabitants  of  Elis,  from  one  of  their 
kings,  Epeus,  son  of  Endymjon',  ji,  81. 

Epevs,  son  of  Panopeus,  inventor  of  the  wooden  horse,  ii,  291. 

Epidawrus,  a  city  between  Argos  and  Trcczene,  i,  374  ;  ii,  37. 

Epigoni,  sons  of  the  seven  Chiefs  slain  at  the  siege  of  Thebes,  ii,  63. 

Equality,  not  to  be  found  in  real  life,  i,  180 ;  iii,  421.  Its  praises 
1,183.  '"'" 

Eredheus,  kiog  of  Athens,  i,  237  ;  iii,  351.    Sacrificeyi^ji^pghtc 
102.    Is  slain  by  Neptune  at  the  cave  of  Maci 

Ericthomus^  king  of  Athens,  sprung  from  the  ^ 

Eridanus,  or  Po,  a  river  of  Italy,  in  wUi'  * 
the  Adriatic  sea,  i,  352. 


iyon,n 


ErjlJu-aa^    an  btaul  neu  the  cout  of  Spain,  sutiject  b 
iyon,ni,io6, 

a  iDHii  in  Btfoto,  Dear  tlie  foot  of  oioinit  CitLtFrDD,  ij,  379- 

Ihe  elder  urn  of  Otdipos  imd  Jocasla.  baviog  afreed  la  dinde 

kiu>doiB  of  TliE^be*  uidi  bn  brotim-  Polvinc«,  breaks  tiir  con-- 

\61.     His  qteech  in  praise  of  Empire,  i. 

He  and  ba  brother    bUy  rath  othfr  in  angle  combat,  i,  It6. 

RepnseDted,    hy  Adriuliu,  ai  tioviag  piopaeed  oiiMlFraie  tenn*  of 

peace,  ii,  39. 

EUodvt,  uta  of  Iiihi^ancble  Afpie,  one  of  ttie  CU(I>  ilaioaC  the  megc 

of  Tbebec,  tis  poverty  and  integrity,  n  46,  S-l. 
Etrurian  pirate*  out?  nlf  Raccfnu  from    Icatia,  in  order  to  wU  Idm  in 

Asia,  ii,  41,1. 
Efrvioa  tmnpei,  tlie  sij^nal  for  an  en^af^enoit,  i,  397 ;  ii,  £88, 19S. 
fro,  Enoj,  Evoc,  aamet  of  Barcluu.    See  Bacdun. 
Eradne.  daD<diter  of  ipliii  and  wiiloH  of  OipaneiL<,  ttiroiri  benelT  ialo 

tiiF  fiamval  p;re  of  ber  deecaied  hntbtod,  £,  M — 56> 
E»Um,  a  GreiliiD  >4aiut,  wpatMed  finnt  Baotia  by  the  Enripiu,  ii,  73. 
Had  ■  k«-  «f  111  own,  and  ftuta^beil  fiftj'  diij-a  fin-  the  Tiojan  war, 
ii,  93.     Iti  iobabiant)  k  wai  wittt  the  Athenana  in  tlieiciga  of^rec- 
tbesi,  m,  93, 94. 
£mrt«  ariie  froin  a  lanety  of  cans,  ii,  A96.     Oaglu  sot  to  nite  our 

anger,  ni,  ^B. 
Eamdnt,  taa  of  Admetna  aal  Alcestif,  lameutx  Ui  Mo4lwr>  dcalfa,  i, 
Tbe  (niilsea!  of  liit  honei,  ii,  ;7. 
SeePiiriei. 

Fiwuf^i^  HD  of  NtptODC  Mi  OnoDc,  allaclui  the  AUwaam  niili  an 
-    -  -       1,  i,  im  i  ii,  355. 
U  of  hi*  Gfe,  in  the  Pre&'re. 

he  nlwHl  «r  FMixra,  nb- 
Jnri  to  rtoraw,  ii,  75.  Ilic  Onam  Beet  ikttiBed  Ikoe  by  a  dead 
*»!m,  ib.  67,  &5,  He. 
£v^^  tfaBghter  ta  A«Ew>r  ki^  flf  Flwakia,  carried  off  hy  Jo- 
piKT,  wbovMnaed  tic  foni<rabidl,iii,  vrz.  Hotftfr  of  llatpe- 
*>^  ib.  «43. 
«i»-ii»,  ■  Rparten  riwr,  i, « ;  ii,  t». 

■•IlieArfhc  AiMiaa«r  tbeCre- 


sidiMorsilMMliu,  ' 
iota.  ib.  4Mk  wr.  »^ 
rbilflics  lit  Har^^  "" 


440  INDEX* 

EmxUuaeAf  eaHed hv  msaif  Gieek  wriften ooAy.  witlMrat  any distmctmi, 
ii,  17S. 

Bxpeimte  fmcnb  mariu  of  fiiQy  in  tbe  friends  of  tiK  deceased,  m^ 
S85. 

ExfottuUdion,  of  Hecaba  with  UlyHCS,  i,  12.  Of  Orestes  with  Mcne- 
laiis,i,  90.  Of  Jocasta  with  her  sons,  i,  1.83.  Of  Medea  with  Creoti» 
1,363.  Of  Hippolytiis  with  Theseos,  i,  36S.  Of  Adiwtns  witii  The- 
scHS,ii,15.  Of  Hector  with  Rhesnsyib.  3^.  Of  Tiresias  with  Peo- 
thciu,  ib.  558.  Of  Ulysses  with  Polyphemc,  ib.  427.  Of  Helte  with 
Theonoe,  iii,  50.  Of  Amphiiiyon  with  Lycos,  ib.  186*  Of  the  Fiead 
'with  Iris,  ib,  21^. 


F. 

FdUhoodSf  not  conducing  greatly  to  the  success  of  tfte  pk^  bl^Qodies  hi 

a  dramatic  piece,  ii,  218.    Filiated,  iii,  40f  • 
FtiU,  its  behests  not  to  be  withstood,  iii,  2& 
Fofef,  TCFpite  Admetus  from  d^dng,  i,  589.      * 
Father,  has  a  stronger  claim  to  filial  duty  than  a  mother,  i,  87;  iii,  410* 

Loves  Ins  cUldreB  less  thaa  a  mother,  and  why,  ii,  409.    Gives  advice 

to  liis  son,  ib.  351. 
iW,  prevents  the  accused  trom  defendmg  faimseif  as  he  ought,  iii,  4«6. 
Fiendy  sent  by  Juno  and  Iris  a^nst  Uercoles,  iii,  213. 
FiUdl  duty  inculcated,  ii,  20. 
Flamey  stolen  by  Promethens  fron  Heaven,  ui,  363. 
Fkeccy  golden,  obtained  by  Jason  and  the  Argonants,  asiiBrted  by  Medea, 

i,  249,  270. 

Ke«<  df  the  Greeks  assembled  at  the  bay  of  Aolis  in  Bfleotia,  i,  45S;  ii, 
75.  Part  of  it  wrecked  on  the  ooait  of  Eubqia,  ii,  295 ;  iii,  M.  Op- 
posed in  combat  to  that  of  ttie  Barbarians,  iii,  150. 

Fortwu,  sports  with  all  mankm^  ii,  28*  Often  diaages  her  idMe, 
iii,  411. 

Fragmentn,  of  Tragedies  which  are  lost,  iii,  311— 423. 

Friends,  the  unhappy  'have  iione,  i,  175,  278 ;  iii,  202,  SOI .  Tree  Aiies 
preferable  to  the  nearest  kindred,  i,  lOa  To  weallh  w  power,  iii, 
357.  We  ought  to  choose  such  as  speak  then-  thou^^  wilh  freedom, 
ib.  35l,40dk 

triend^ipg,  the  great  pains  arising  from  those  which  are  too  sfeong,  i^ 
328.    For  the  dead  soon  iforgoltten,  iii,  412. 

Funend  rites,  most  be  paid  to  tiie  dead,  to  in^ire  the  livhig  with  con- 
rage,  i,  14.  Required  by  the  laws  of  all  Greece,  ii,  27.  Tbek  vai« 
expcncc  censored,  iii,  385. 

Furiet,  sprung  from  the  blood  of  Oaramis  and  Kight,  iii,  214.  Bhmit 
Orestes  after  the  amrder  of  Itis  Mother,  i,  62,  79;  h,  171 ;  iii,  SIO. 
A  temple  erected  to  them  in  Athens  on  his  acquittal  at  the  AreofMgos, 


H,  S05.    Some  of -them  refuieto  acquiesce  la  tbe  decree^  and  stilt 
penecate  bim^  ib.  ft06» 
Futurilyf  concealed  from  huntfui  eyes,  i,  325.    Fffls  as  with  constant, 
terror,  iii,  530. 

G. 

Galas,  ought  not  to  be  pursued,  mdess  honest,  iii,  365.    None  base,  ib. 

345.    Honourable  iunong  the  Gods  themselves,  ib.  399. 
Cktmjmede,  son  of  Tros  king  of  Troy,  stolen  by  Jupiter,  and  nmde  his 

cap-bearer,  ii,  325.    Ministers  to  the  Gods  at  the  nuptitils  of  Pelens 

and  Thetis,  ii,  124. 
Gatesi}f  Thebes,  their  names  and  number,  I,  316.    Eteocles  statioM  a 

detachment  of  troops  at  each  of  them,  i,  195.     Assaolted  by  tlia 

army  of  Adrastus,  i,  214. 
GeUon,  the  elder  son. of  Ion,  iii,  ir4. 
Generals  ought  to  possess  superior  understandings,  ii,  66.. 
Gerastia,  a  promontory  in  the  ishnd  of  EniKea,  sacred  to  Neptune, 

ii,  428.      Myrtilns  thrown  from    tlienee  by  Pelops  into  the  sea, 

i,  109. 
Geryon,  a  Giant  of  a  triple  form,  slain  by  Hercules,  iii,  196. 
Gton^s,  sons  of  Titan  and  the  Earth,  war  against  the  Gods,  iii,  96. 
Glaucua,  Uie  Sea-god,  appears  to  Menebms,  i,  76. 
Ghxucus,  son  of  Sisyphus^  torn  to^pieces  by  the  mares  of  Potnia,  i,  215} 

1-67. 
Glaucus,  grandson  of  Bellerophon,  i,  357. 
GlaueuSf  son  of  Minos  and  Pasiphae,  iii,  348,  384,  385. 
Goat  skins,  worn  for  dothing,  ii,  415.    Used  to  hold  wine,  ib.  488. 
God  invoked,  iii,  419* 
GodSy   their    great    kindness    to    roan,  ii,  IS.    Their  amours,  i,  338. 

Chaiiged  with  a  variety  of  ciimes  by  tfie  Poets,  iii,  335.    Vindicated 

by  Hercules,  ib.  337.    No  longer  Gods  if  they  act  basely,  ib.  347. 

Heceive  biibes,  ib.  S99.    At  hst  punish  crimes,  ib*  401.    See  all 

things,  ib.  404. 
Gddf  Jupiter  transformed  into  a  shower  of,  enters  the  chamber  of  Dar 

nae,  m,  315. 
GMy  the  acquisition  of  it  considered  as  of  the  ntmost  importance,  iii, 

326,  33I9  345.    Prodnctive  of  great  misery,  ib.  384.    Far  more  pow- 

erflil  than  illustrious  birth,  ib.  336. 
Golden  apple.    See  Jppile.    Golden  fleece.    See  Fleece^    Golden  nout 

See  ftam, 
Gorgoni  a  mohster  slam  by  Minerva  lathe  war  between  the  Gods  and 

Giants,  iii,  143.    Different  effects  of  two  drops  of  its  blood,  ib.  143* 

Its  hide*    Sec^grts. 
Girrgmis,  placed  round  ApoUo*s  temple  at  Delphi,  tii,99* 
Grecian  maids,  mentioned  by  Ulysses  to  the  Satyrs,  ii,  433* 
QmutUf  king  of  JSnia,  brings  twelve  diips  to  Aidis,  ii^  $0. 


442  INDEX* 


H. 


Hitmon,  son  of  Creon,  affianced  to  Antigone,  i,  196,  207,  257. 

HaiTf  nourished  in  honour  of  Bacchus,  ii,  $67.  Cut  off,  in  order  to  be 
strewn  on  the  graves  of  the  dead,  i,  66  ;  iii,  1^68. 

JiaUu,  a  maritinie  region  of  Attica,  bordering  on  the  Bceotian  territories^ 
ii.  234, 

Halcyon,  or  the  king-fisher,  a  bird  hovering  about  the  rocks,  so  called 
from  Alcyone,  wife  to  Ceyx  king  of  Trachis,  who  threw  herself  into 
the  sea  on  the  body  of  her  shipwrecked  husband,  and  was  metamor 
pbosed  into  a  king-fisher,  ii,  214. 

UaUritthmSy  son  of  Neptune,  sla|nby  Mars,  ii,  204^  iii,  306. 

Hanging,  considered  as  a  most  ignoble  species  of  death,  i,  S54 ;  iii,  18* 

Harmtynki,  daugliter  of  Mars  and  Venus,  married  to  Cadmus,  i,l59,  199» 
Transformed  into  a  seqient,  ii,  406 ;  iii,  364. 

^ead,  the  custom  of  swearing  by,  iii,  47. 

Heads  of  the  slain,  cut  off,  and  born^  m  triumph,  ii,  109. 

Heaven,  originally  intermingled  with  earth,  iii,  369* 

Hebe,  daughter  of  Jupiter  and  June,  the  Goddess  of  youth,  wedded  to 
Hercules,  ii,496>    Children  called  her  gifts,  i,402. 

Hebrua,  a  river  of  Thrace,  which  runs  into  tlie  JEgesat  sea,  iii,  194. 

ffecate,  the  Diana  of  tlie  infernal  regions,  tiie  princ4>al  object  of  Me- 
dea's worship,  i,  267.  Daughter  of*Latona,  ib.  163.  Her  nocturnal 
rites,  iii,  31. 

Hector,  soi^  of  Priam,  general  of  the  Trojan  army,  ii,  241.  Sends 
Dolon  as  a  spy  to  the  Grecian  camp,  and  promises  to  reward  him  with 
the  horses  of  Achilles,  ib.  251.  Slain  by  Achilles,  and  dragged  round 
the  walls  of  Troy,  i,  456, 469. 

flecubaf  vrife  of  Priam  king  of  Troy,  taken  captive  by  the  Greeks,  ii, 
295.  Laments  the  fate  of  her  g;9nd&on  Astyanax,  ib.  324, 339.  Ac- 
cuses Helen  to  Mcnelaus,  ib.  331.  Expostulates  witli  Ulysses  in  favour 
of  Polyxena,  i,  14.  Entreats  Agamemnon's  permission  to  revenge  the 
murder  of  Polydore,  i,  39.  Assisted  by  the  Trojan  Dames,  kills  th^ 
children,  and  puts  out  the  eyes  of  Polymestor,  i,  52.  Her  metamor- 
phosis and  tomb,  i,  56.  , 

Helen,  daughter  of  Tyndarus  and  Leda,  her  numerous  suitors,  ii,  69. 
Marries  Menelaus,  and  is  borne  away  by  Paris,  ib.  70.  After  the 
death  of  Paris,  forcibly  wedded  to  his  brpther  Deiphebus,  ib.  330* 
Troy  being  taken,  she  falls  again  into  the  hands  of  Menelaus,  ib.  292. 
Is  conveyed  tOiEgypt,  and  vanishes,  iii,  34*  Remained  at  the  palace 
of  Proteus  during  the  Trojan  war,  and  Paris  carried  off  a  doud  which 
resembled  her,  iii,  3 — 6,  307.  Received  with  joy  by  Menelaus,  ib. 
35.  ^Escapes  by  stratagem  from  Theoclynienus,  and  sails  for  Greece 
with  her  husband,  ib.  57—83.  Lands  in  Argos,  and  there  finds  Her* 
mione  her  daii^hter,  i,  63,,    Sends  gifts  to  the  tomb  of.  her  sister  Cly« 


IND^X«  443 

temimtra,  i,  66»    Escapes  from  Orestes  and  Pylades  wha  attempt  to 
kill  her,  i,  131.    Received  into.the  Heavens,  i,  141.    ' 

Helentu,  son  of  Priam  and  Hecuba,  a  Seer,  i,  5w  Andromache  given  to 
him.  in  marriage,ib.  506. . 

HeliL-oUy  a  mountain  in  Boeotia,  sacred  to  the  Muses,  iii,  188,  212. 

Bellettf  from  whom  the  Greeks  were  called  Helleneans,  iii,  321. 

Hellenians,  distinguished  from  Achaians,  ii,  303. 

Hellespont y  a  strait  of  the  sea  dividing  Europe  and  Asia,  named,  from 
Helle,.  sister  of  Phryxus,  perishiug  in  it,  as  she  fled  with  her  brother 
through  the  air  on  the  g6lden  Ram.  .  Its  inconsiderable  width  between 
Troy  and  the  Thcadan  Chersonesus,  i,  37, 

Hennetia,  celebrated  for  its  breed  of  horses,  i,  327,  371. 

Heralds  always,  side  with  those  in  power,  i,  104 ;  ii,  308.  Given  to  Ex- 
aggerate, ii,  467. 

Hercaan  Jupiter,  so  called  from  cpxo;,  <<  being  contained  within  the  cir- 
cuit of  a  house,"    Priam  slain  at  his  altar,  ii,  292»  310. 

Hercules  son  of  Jnpiter  and  Alcmena  wife  of  Ampliitr}'on,  iii,  179,  212^ 
215.  Calls  Amphitryon  his  real  father,  ib.  234.  Sent  by  Eorysthens 
for  the  horses  of  Diomede,  i,  393.  Subdues  Death,  and  restores  Al- 
cestis  to  Admetus,  ib.  447.  His  labours^  iii,  193-^196.  Described  in 
tlie  paiutuigs  of  Apollo's  temple  at  Delphi,  killing  the  Hydra,  ib.  98. 
The  sacred  tapestry  there,  the  spoils  of  tlie  Amazons,  given  by  him,  ib* 
150.  Destroys  Oechalia,  and  carries  qtflole,  i,  343.  On  his  return 
to  Thebes,  sees  a  bird  of  evil  omen,  iii,  203.  A  Fiend  sent  by  Juno 
to  deprive  him  of  his  reason,  ib.  213.  He  kills  his  three  sons  and 
Megara  his  wife,  ib.  220..  Restored  to  his  reason,  ibi  224—241. 
Said  to  have  perished  on  mount  Oeta,  but  received  among  the  Gods, 
.  ii,  496.   . 

Herdsman  brings  an  account  of  the  capture  of  Orestes  'and  Pylades, 

'  iiyl68. 

Hermes,    See  Mercury, 

Hwrumif  an  Argive  town,  which  had  a  temple  of  Ceres  and  Proser- 
pine, iii,  205. 

HemdoWf  daughter  of  Menelaos  and  '  Helen,,  s^t  by  her  m<^ther  with 
gifts  to  Clytemnestra's  tomb,  i,  66,  Seized  by  Orestes  and  Pylades, 
ib.  i  26.  Affianced  by  her  fat)ier  to  Orestes,  ib.  143.  Married  to 
Ne<^tolemus,  son  of  Achittes,  Jb»»  452.    Escapes  from  Phtbia  with 

.  Orestes,  ib.497.  .  s . 

HesperideSy  i,  352.  i<  .  •.  *     '    • 

Hind,,  substituted  for  a  victim  in  the;stead  of  Ipfaigenia,  ii,  69, 153, 160, 

166. 
Hindf  with  horns  of  gold,  iii,  21.    Pursued  and  slain  by  Hercules,  ib. 
194,  395. 

Hippodamia,  daughter  of  Ocnomaus,  won  by  Pclops,  ii,  159. 

Hippolyta,  the  Amazon,  her  belt  gained  by  Hercules,  iii,  195.  Married 
to  Theseus,  i,  317.  '     . 

Hippolytus,  son  of  Theseus  and  Hippolyta,  educated  by  his  great-gran^- 


444  IVDKX. 


i 


/ 


ftlhcr  FilteDf,  i,  91a.    AvBteyifDiM,  ih.    ffii 

naedia  filk  m  love  vitii  Ini,  ib.    He  figccli  with  diidw  llie  ad- 

fBMCB  of  hor  Nimey  i,  345.    Eb  MoliBCBti  in  ragBil  to  mt  «Blk 

condemoed,  tb.  346.    His  inrectiTe  mgaatX  woocn,  Au  347.   The 

ciii»eaiid»€ntcn<»eafbiMiiAiacntproBoiwcedag»inrthia 

ib.  359,  360.    Thrown  from  his  dniiot,  and  dngfed  alMig  by  fas 

hones,  ib.  375.    His  dead^  ib.  386. 

If  jppo^fliis  veiled,  afiBgB9eiit,iii,36f. 

If ^ppMMdpii,  one  of  the  teven  cfaic6  who  inland  mtmaA  Theboy  fas 
g;igaiiticstatiite,i,164.  Attacks  the  Ogygiui  gete,  ib.  214^  Afigare 
of  Argus  on  bis  shield,  ib.  164, 915.  Slain  in  that  enygf  cirty  ib. 
215*    Adrastiis*s  encomiiiBi  on  hini,  ii,  46* 

H<mok$,  a  The«a]ian  monDtna  haonted  by  the  GeBtnin,iii,  194. 

Hope,  feeds  the  exile,  i,  175.  Harries  its  votaries  to  inhospitable  oo«n- 
tries,  ii,  176.    Nourishes  tlie  sailor,  iii,  414. 

Uofin,  second  son  of  Ion,  iii,  174. 

//«fset,  of  AcbsOes,  ii,  251.  Diomedes,  i,  419;  iii,  194.  E»mehK,i^ 
77.  Hennetia,  1,327, 371.  H^polytos,  1,375.  The  Son,  iii,  397* 
Laemedon,  promised  to  Hercoles,  li,  325. 

EospitalUy,  its  laws  sacred,  i,  418.  Pmctiied  in  a  great  extent  by  the 
Vitients,  iii,  191.    Of  the  Peasant  towards  Orestes,  ib.  969. 

Kpuse  of  Penthens,  levelled  with  the  ground  by  9acchns,  ii,  375.. 

Umtte  of  Tantalos,  their  history/i,  144*^156. 

tluman  Facrifices,  some  acrooat  o^  \,  6*  Spoken  of  with  detestation, 
ii,175. 

JiyqdsM,  seven  stars  in  the  head  of  the  Bull,  a  consteOation  observed  by 
the  mariners,  iii,  150. 

JTydra,  a  dragon  with  many  he^s,  at  the  lake  of  Lenia,  slain  by  Her- 
cules, iii,  97, 196. 

JJyUu8f  son  of  Hercules,  marches  ^t  the  bead  of  a  numerous  army  to 
succour  Alcmena  and  his  sisters,  ii,  485,  ChalleBges  Eorysthens  ta 
ifagigle  combat,  ib«  499*  Defeats  him  in  battle,  aided  1^  the  Athe- 
nian troops,  ib.  493f 

ilffmeUf  attends  the  noptiais  of  Peko^  and  Thetis,  ii,  104*  Invoked  1^ 
Cassandn,  ib.  304* 

JhjperwtL    See  the  Sm, 

ffypeipylef  dau|^ter  to  Thoas  king  of  Lpmaos,  who  when  tiie  womeo  of 
that  island  killed  all  the  other  men,  saved  her  father's  life,  and  gave  a 
hospitable  reception  to  Jason  and  j[he  Argonauts,  iii,  395. 

Hym,  a  town  in  Boeotia,  near  the  foot  of  Duoofit  Cithaeron,  ii,  379. 


I. 

Jowa,  ton  of  .Sson  kiog  of  Tbessaly,  one  of  the  Argooanits,  1, 94a. 
Obtains  the  golden  fleece  by  the  assistance  of  Medea,  who  flies  with 
him  to  Corinth,  ib.    Pcs^rts  Medea,  tod  marries  the  danghteir  of 


Creon,  ib.  Atteijipts  to  ddfend  hvi  cotu^t,  !,*  ^12-^274.  Re- 
prottdiM  Mvim  tvitti  tlM  MuMter  tff  tiMdr  dtOdrea,  ib.  907.  Various 
accounts  of  his  death,  ib.  3i0« 
iito,  a  moimtaiii  in  iPhrygi  ,  j^opted  befims  Troy  im»  built,  a,  255. 
Its  top  iUumiQed  by  the  first  beams  of  the  risiog  sun,  ib.  335.  Par 
ri8(tepOB«d1>i«i«,  ib.  iS5.  Tlve  tlmee  Ooddeafes  tbme  Hanker  for 
Paris  to  adjudge  the  prize  of  beauty,  the  golden  4qH>le,  ib.  13(3, 
Itspin^s'Mldilobmld  dietliip  la  i«iiioli  'Bans  sailed  from  Sparta^ 
i,  28 ;  iii)  15. 
iVfon,    See  Tf^. 

iJMcftttSy  \Kiii  of  Oceaihlts  and  Tethys,  founder  and  ^itst  king  of  Argos, 
i,  106 ;  iii)  33^    A  river  near  Argos,  naftied  from  the  abovenen- 
Htfitea  king,  i,  184 ;  ii,  47. 
hitMMi^him^,  of  Orpheufe,  «,  445; 
Incestuous  connections,  frequent  among  the  Bai'barians,  i,  459. 
Hi9y  daughter  of  Cadtnos  and  narmoaia,  and  wifb  of  Athamas,  n  Thea- 
vaHaii  king,  iii,  358.    Accompanies  her  ststisrs  to  the  orgies  of  Bac* 
dras,  ii,  356,  377.    Asrfits  in  tiie  murder  of  Penti^eas,  ib.  397. 
6ei2ed  with  ^enty,  kills  her  son,  and  throws  bevself  into  the  sea,  i, 
^5.    'Becomes  a  Sea-Goddess  by  the  name  of  Leneothea,  iii,  361. 
Oiled,  according  to  Dr.  Musgrave,  the  Istfaiwatt  Ooddess,  ii,  63. 
ImMIp^,  of  Polymestor  against  ^vromen,  i,  52.    Of  lyndarns,  against 
Orestes,  i,  85.    Of  Medea,  against  JasM,  i,  270.    Of  Jason,  agftinst 
women,  i,  274.    Of  J«ttOn,  ag^nit  Medea,  i,  307.    Of  Hippolytos, 
«gaJMt  women,  i,  347.    Of  Adtnetitt^  agahmt  Phelps,  and  4i»tep]y, 
%  421 — 433.    Of  H«mitone,  ligfdRst  Attdtomaciie,  ib.  458.    Of  An^ 
dromache,  against  MeftehMs  and  HeMnione,  ib.  466.  Against  the  %>ar^ 
tans,  ib.  471.    Of  Peleus,  against  Mcnelavs  and  Helen,  ib.  477.    Of 
Theseus,  against  Adrastus,  ii,  13.     Of  the  Tiieban  ffeiti^,  «^nst 
democracy,  ib.  22.    Of  Thcflens,  against  kingly  government,  ib.  23. 
Of  Menelaus,  against  Agamemnon,  and  his  reply,  ib.  84—88.    Of 
Achilles  against  Prepbtte,  ib.  120.    Of  Clytemnestra,  against  Aga- 
memnon, ib.  129 ;  iii,  295.    Of  Hecuba,  against  H&len,  ii,  331.    Of 
Alemena,  ^agiiindt  EurysthefVs,  ib.  497.    Of  Crensa,  against  Apoilo^  Iii, 
136.    Of  Jjytta^,  against  Hefcates,  $b.  185.    Of  Electra,  against 
the  slain  ^gistlms,  ib.  290. 
to,  daughter  of  InaeMs,  beloHred  by  Jupiter,  and  transformed  Into  an 
heifer,  ii,  33.    ffHmg  by  Jili»o,  and  dHvfen  between  the  Symplogades 
into  Asia,  ib.  175.    The  Theban  and  Fh<i:nician  Ismg?  descended  from 
her,  i,  169. 
Jocastaj  wife   to  Laios  king  of  Thebes,  after  her   hutband's  death, 
unwitting  maiti^  her  ton  Oedipus,  i,  161^     Their  cMtdren,  Hu 
In  vain    attempts  to  feconcile   her  sons  Eteocles  and  Polynices, 
ib.  179.     ilnds   ttein   dend,  and  Istabs  herself  with  ^ne  of  theh- 
vvrords,  lb.  230. 
iolitiis,  son  of  Ipbicles,   the  comrade  of  Hercules,   after  that  hero's 
^tb,  |4t»teeti  his  cil^ditn,  ii|  453.  ^Entreats jflie  support  of  Detno- 


44S  lNI>X3t* 

IjotoMS  dandier  of  Cevf,  one  of  the  Titans>  ravislied  by  Jnptter,  de^ 
livered  of  ApeU#a«d  Diana  in  the  island  of  Delos,  i,  21;  ii,  223;  iii, 

12d*    lavoibcd  by  Creusa,  iii,  112. 
Laeety  filled  with  water,  placed  before  the  door  where  any  one  lay  dead, 

ty394. 

Ijmghier^  a  lore  of  it  misleads  men  into  folly,  iii,  369. 

Law,  directs  tlie  actions  of  Gods  as  wtll  as  men,  i,  36. 

Law  of  Athens,  directing  earth  to  be  strewn  over  the  dead,  ii>  28. 

Learning,  whether  suited  to  the  genius  of  women,  left   undetermined, 

i,  298- 
LedOf  daughter  of  Thestius,  and  wife  of  Tyndams  kuig  of  Sparti,  her 

three  daughters,  ii,  69.    Jupiter  approaches  her  under  the  form  of 

a  Swan,  and  is  faUier,  of  Helen,  iii,  61,  and  of  Castor  and  Pollux, 

ib.  86.    Nomished  her  grandson  Orestes  in  his  infancy,  i;  83.    Said 

to  have  pot  a  disgraceful  end  to  her  <mii  life,  iii,  11. 
LnhtSy  a  descendant  of  one  of  Aiose  warrion  wh»  tprting  fhiia  tfa* 

Dragon's  teeth,  sown  by  (^mus,  comniaiHls  the  BceofiaB  troops  sent 

to  the  liege  of  Troy,  ii,  79« 
Lmtm,  anishuid  in  the  Agean  sea,  its  mole  iidukhitafrtB  destroyed  by 

the  women,  i»  40. 
Lerm,  a  ]akt  aear  Argcto  and  Myoeae,  i«  167.    Infested  by  the  Hyikra, 

iii,  196. 
J^ter,  of  Flixdra,  toThesevs,  i,  368.    Agamemnon  to  Oytemnestram 

ii,68,  74.     Iphigenia,  to  Orestes,  ib.  186,  193,  194.    Proetus,  to 

lobates,  sent  by  BcUerophon,  iii,  387. 
Letters,  origiually  invented  by  Palaraedes,  iii,  379. 
Leuca,  an  iskmd  near  the  coast  of  Sarmatia,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Bori»- 

thenes,  i,  607  ;  ii,  176. 
Leucade,  an  island  near  Acamania,  in  tlie  Ionian  sea,  with  a  high  rock 

where  was  the  Lover*$  leap,  ii,  422. 
Leucothea,  the  name  of  Ino  after  she  became  a  Sea-goddess,  iii,  361<^ 
LibiUion  to  Apollo,  poured  forth  by  Ion  in  his  temple  at  Delphi,  ^ 

152. 
JJbatiom  sprinkled  on  tlie  tombs  of  the  dead,  i,  66  ^  ii,  166 ;  iii»  268. 
LUftfa,  daughter  of  Epapbns,  antiently  gave  her  name  to  the  quarter  of 

the  world  now  called  Africa,  i,  191. 
Lkymnhis,  son  of  Electryon,  accidently  killed,  when  far  advanced  is 

years,  by  his  great  nephew  Tlepolemusj  son  of  Hercules  and  Astyoche, 

iii,  368. 
•  Life,  a  state  of  more  faiq>piBess  than  misery,  ii,  13.    On  any  tenna  pre- 
ferable to  death,  ib.  133.    A  state  of  perpetual  laboiu-,  i,  St5»    Of 

short  duration,  and  should  be  passed  as  agreeably  as  possible,  i,  427, 

428 ;  ii,  51.    A  state  of  conflict,  ii,  28.    Its  loss  not  to  be  repaired,  ib. 

41.    Notliing  more  precious,  i,  403.    Neither  wholly  blest  nor  wholly 

wretched,  iii,  334.    All  attached  to  it,  ib.  411. 
Linus,  some  account  of  the  poetic^  lamentations  for  his  deaths  i^  128; 

m,  193. 


XitpR,  dain  Jby  Hercules  in  the  foreat  of  Nemiea,  iii,  151,  185, 193, 
LocriSy  a  country  bordering  on  Boeotia,  its  troops  commanded  by  Ajax 

Oileus,  ii,  79. 
JLordy  a  term  antiently  made  use  of  to  imply  a  despotic  Prince,  i,  3^0* 
JLoius^  an  herb  growing  in  meadows,  supposed  to  be  that  i^ow  called  me- 

lilot,  i,  234.    The  wonderful  effects  ascribed  to  it  by  Homer  in  his 

Odyssey  referred  to,  ii,  308. 
Zoiv,  the  dangers  of  it  when  immoderate,  i,  377,  342  ;  ii,  96*    Its  in- 
fluence umversal,  i,  337, 378;  iii,  398.    Slothful,  ib.  316.    A  mi^ty 

God,  ib.  341.    Capable  of  inspiring  virtue,  ib.  349,  375,414. 
l4€BU8.    See  Bacchus. 
lAfecum,  son  of  Neleus  and  brother  to  Nestor,  slain  by  Hercules,  i, 

4;l4. 
Lofcia,  a  countryi  in  Asia,  between  Pamphylia  and  Caria,  bordering  on 

the  Mediterranean  sea,  its  oracles,  i,  395*    Its  troops  assist  in  the 

defence  of  Troy,  ii,  267. 
lAfeomedes,  king  of  the  island  of  Scyros  where  Achilles  was  disguised  in 

female  apparel^  iii,  390. 
Ijycurgusf  a  Tliractan  king,  worshipped  on  mount  Pangenm,  ii,  287. 
lAfcw,  king  of  Thebes,  husband  of  Dirce,  iii,  180. 
-Lycuf,  the  younger,  his  son,  kills  Creon  and  seizes  the  throne,  iii,  180, 

201.    Comioands  Amphitryon  and  Megara  to  put  an  end  to  their  ovm 

lives,  ibl208.    Slain  by  Hercules,  ib.  210. 
lAfdiOy  an  inland  country  of  lesser  Asia,  celebrated  for  its  great  riches, 

ii,  349.    Its  matrons  joined  vrith  those  of  Phrygia  in  their  captivity, 

ib.  109. 
L^iOf  a  river  dividing  some  part  of  Boeotia  from  Macedon,  ii,  371. 
lAfsidicey  daughter  of  Pelops  and  wife  to  Electryon,  ii,  462. 


Macaria,  daughter  of  Hercules,  ofiers  herself  to  be  sacrificed,  ii,  476. 

Is  slain  as  a  victim  previous  to  the  engagement  between  HyUus  and 

Euiysthens,  ib.  492. 
MacrOf  a  cave  near  the  citadel  of  Athens  where  Erectheus  was  slain 

by  Neptune,  iii,  103.    And  Creusa  daughter  of  that  monarch  ravished 

by  ApoUo,  ib.  91. 
Mamades.    See  Bacchanalians. 
Maia,  one  of  the  Pleiades,  daughter  to  Atlas  and  mother  of  Mercury 

by  Jupiter,  i,  462 ;  iii,  91 . 
Malea^  a  sea  port  in  the  Spartan  territories,  i,  76;  ii,  41 S,  428* 
MoHy  indebted  to  the  bounty  of  the  Gods  for  numberless  con&rts^  ii,  IS. 

Subject  to  every  species  of  misery,  i,  6l.    Better  for  him  had  he 

never  been  bom,  iii,  346,  417.    His  fortunes  changeable  as  air,  ib. 

316.    Ought  to  be  res\gped  to  his  sufferings,  ib.  417. 
Vol.  III.  G  o 


450  INDEX. 

Manto,  daughter  of  the  soothsayer  Tiresias,  attends  her  hiind  father 
i,  200. 

Maratlum,  a  city  in  the  Atlienian  territories,  ii,  454. 

Mai'iners,  their  outrages,  i,  !27.  Bold  in  mischief,  but  able  to  protect 
the  oppre^t,  ii,  118.  Tempted  by  the  love  of  gain  to  visit  tlie  most 
inhospitable  regions,  ib.  176.    Tlietr  wandering  life,  iii,  387. 

Marriage^  its  precariousness,  iii,  409. 

Moron,  a  descendant  of  Bacchus,  ii,  420. 

MarSy  tried  by  the  Gods  for  the  murder  of  HaHrrothius,  and  the  court 
of  judicature  at  Atliens  from  him  called  Areopagus,  ii,  ^04 ;  iii,  306. 

3Jeci8teu8,  son  of  Talaus,  and  iatlier  to  Euryalus  commander  of  ftse 
Argive  squa'Iron  sent  a^^ainst  Troy,  ii,  79. 

Medea,  daughter  to  ^etes  king  of  Colchos,  aids  Jason  by  her  enchant- 
ments in  obtaining  the  golden  fleece,  i,  370.    Murders  her  brother 
Absyrtes  and  flies  with  Jason  into  Thessaly,  ib.  308.    Having  per- 
suaded the  daughters  of  Pclias  to  kill  their  father,  she  is  forced  to 
take  refuge  at  Corintii,  i,  249.    Jason  after  having  two  sons  by  her^  / 
forsakes  her  to  man^  the  daughter  of  Creon,  ib.    She  Entreats  €reon 
to  respite  her  banishment,  i,  364.  Reproaches  Jason  with  his  treachery, 
i^  ?70.    Destroys  Creon  and  his  Daughter  by  her  endiaiitmeBts,  i, 
301,  302.    Kills  her  sons,  i,  305.    Borne  away  in  a  diaiiot  drawn 
by  Dragons,  i,  307. 

Mediocrity,  its  advantages  over  grandeur,  i,  254. 

Megafa,  a  city  of  Achaia  between  Athens  and  the  isthisas  of  CoHAth^ 
ui,  219. 

Megara,  daughter  to  Creon  king  of  Thebes,  married  to  Heri^tiles,  iit, 
179.  Welcomes  her  husband  on  his  return  frinu  the  infbual  regions, 
ib.  199.     Killed  by  him  in  his  freniy,  ib.  220, 

Megesy  son  of  Phyleus,  commands  the  Grecian  troops  from  the  islands 
called  Taphiae  and  Ek;hinades,  ii,  81. 

Melamppe,  daughter  of  Desmontes,  has  two  sons  in  consequence  of  an 
amour  with  Neptune,  iii,  369. 

Melmger,  from  juuXwf  "  inauspicious,"  aud  ay^  "  prcy,"  iii,  372.  Son  to 
Oeneus  king  of  Calydon  and  Althaea  Thestios'  daughter,  ib.  Kills  the 
wild  boar  which  infested  his  country,  ib.  375.  ' 

Melon,  son  of  Eteoclus,  supposed  to  be  the  Boy  intrdduced  m  the  Sop. 
pliants,  ii,  58. 

Menelaus,  younger  son  of  Atreus  and  ^rope,  manies  Helen,  i,  62  ; 
ii,  70.  On  his  Wife  being  taken  from  him  by  Paris,  summons  all 
Greece  to  revenge  the  insult,  ib.  Prevails  on  Aganiemncta  to  sacriilice 
his  daughter  Iphigenia,  ib.  72.  On  Troy  being  taken,  he  recovers 
Helen,  ib.  292,  326.  Purposes  to  put  her  to  death  on  his  return  to^ 
Greece,  ib.  334.  Lands  with  her  in  iEgypt,  finds  the  real  Heltti  in 
the  palace  of  Theocly  menus,  and  is  .sensible  of  having  been  deluded 
by  a  phantom  which  vanishes  into  air,  iii,  34.  Acknowledges  th« 
virtue  of  the  real  Helen,  whom  he  receives  with  transport,  ib.  35. 
Escapes  with  her  from  ^gypt,  ib.  80—83.    Anchon  at  Malea  k  sea 


.  IN0BX.  449 

b^HercBlesm  tlielbre9lofNeam»  m,  151,  1S5,193. 
Xicri^  a  coontiy  bovdering  on  Bceotsiy  its  troops  commuided  bj  Ajax 

Oikas^  ii,  79. 
Jjird,  a  term  antiaiitly  mide  use  of  to  imply  a  despotic  Prince,  i,  330. 
IjtimMj  an  herb  growing  in  meadows,  sopposed  to  be  that  now  called  me- 

lilot,  iy  234.    The  wooderfbl  effects  ascribed  to  it  by  Homer  in  his 

Odyaiey  referred  to,  ii,  308. 
Lsre,  the  duigers  of  it  when  immoderate,  i,  377,  342  ;  ii,  96*    Its  in- 

flnence  nmYersal,  i,  337,  378;  iii,  398.    Slothful,  ib.  316.    A  mighty 

God,  ib.  341.    Capable  of  inspiring  rirtue,  ib.  349,  375,  414. 
XftfSf.    SeeBacchns. 
Ljgemm^  son  of  Neleos  and  brother  to  Nestor,  shin  by  Hercules,  i, 

414. 
Ijftia^  a  conntiytin  Asia,  between  Pampfaylia  and  Caria,  bordering  on 

flie  Mediterranean  sea,  its  orades,  i,  395.    It»  troops  assist  in  the 

defence  of  Troy,  ii,  t67. 
yywrtfgf,  king  cMf  the  island  of  Scyros  where  Adiilles  was  disguised  in 

lenade  apparel,  iii,  39a 
Ijgemgmt^  a  Undan  king,  worshipped  on  mount  Pangenm,  ii,  287. 
Xycvs,  king  of  Thebes,  faosband  c^Dirce,  iii,  180. 
LtfoUy  the  yomger,  his  son,  kiUs  Creon  and  seizes  the  throne,  iii,  180, 

SOI.    Commands  Amphitryon  and  M^ara  to  pot  an  end  to  their  own 

lires^  ib.208.    Shun  by  HercoleB,  ib.210. 
XfdM,  an  inland  coontry  of  lesser  Asia,  celebrated  for  its  great  richesy 

ii,  349.    Its  matrons  joined  with  those  of  Phiygia  in  their  ciqptivity, 

ib»109. 
Xfdk,  a  liver  dividing  some  part  of  Boeotia  from  Macedon,  ii,  371. 
LgaMuy  daughter  of  Pdops  and  wife  to  Electryon,  ii,  462* 


M. 

ifocorto,  dangjiter  of  Hercules,  ofiers  herself  to  be  sacrificed^  ii,  476. 

Is  shun  as  a  victim  previous  to  die  oigagement  between  Hyllus  and 

Emysthens,  ib.  492. 
JfacTi,  a  cave  near  die  citadel  of  Athens  where  Erectiieus  was  shun 

by  Neptune,  iii,  103.    And  Creusa  dau^^ter  of  that  monarch  ravished 

by  Apollo,  ib.  91. 
Mamnda,    See  Bacchanalians. 
Ifoso,  one  of  the  Pleiades,  daughter  to  Atlas  and  mother  of  Mercuiy 

by  Jupiter,  i,  462 ;  iii,  91 . 
MaUa^  aseaport  in  the  Spartan  territories,  i,  76;  ii,  413,  428* 
jlfim,  indebted  to  the  bounty  of  the  Gods  for  numberless  comfivta^  ii,  13. 

Subject  to  every  species  of  misery,  i,  61.    Better  for  hhn  had  ha 

never  been  born,  iii,  346,  417.    His  fortunes  changeable  as  air,  ib. 

316.    Ought  to  be  resagpa±  to  his  sufferings,  ib.  417. 
Vol.  III.  G  o 


450  INDEX. 

Manto,  daughter  of  the  soothsayer  Tiresias,  attends  her  blind  lather 
i,  200. 

Maratlum,  a  city  in  the  Athenian  territories,  ii,  454. 

Mtu'inerSy  their  outrages,  i,  27.  Bold  in  mischief,  but  able 'to  protect 
the  opprest,  ii,  118.  Tempted  by  the  love  of  gain  to  visit  the  mo»t 
inhospitable  regions,  ib.  176.    Tlicir  wandering  life,  iii,  387. 

Mmriage,  its  precariousness,  iii,  409. 

Marouy  a  descendant  of  Bacchns,  ii,  420. 

3Iars,  tried  by  the  Gods  for  the  murder  of  HaKrrothios,  and  the  court 
of  judicature  at  Athens  from  him  called  Areopagus,  ii,  ^04 ;  iii,  306. 

Mecisteus,  son  of  Talaus,  and  father  to  Euryalus  commander  of  the 
Argive  squadron  sent  a<>ainst  Troy,  ii,  79- 

Medea,  daughter  to  ^etes  king  of  Colchos,  aids  Jason  by  her  enchant- 
ments in  obtaining  the  golden  fleece,  i,  270.  Murders  her  brother 
Absyrtes  and  flies  with  Jason  into  Thessaly,  ib.  303.  Having  per- 
suaded the  daughters  of  Pelias  to  kill  their  father,  she  is  forced  to 
take  refuge  at  Coriutli,  i,  249.  Jason  after  having  two  sons  by  her^  , 
forsakes  her  to  marry  the  daughter  of  Creon,  ib.  She  entreats  Creon 
to  respite  her  banishment,  i,  264.  Reproaches  Jason  with  his  treachei*y, 
i,  270.  Destroys  Creon  and  his  Daughter  by  her  enchantments^  i^ 
301,  302.  Kills  her  sons,  i,  305.  Borne  away  in  a  chariot  drawn 
by  Dragons,  i,  307. 

Mediocrity y  its  advantages  over  grandeur,  i,  254. 

MegafOf  a  city  of  Achaia  between  Athens  and  the  istlim^s  of  CoHntfa^ 
ui,  219. 

Megara,  daughter  to  Creon  king  of  Thebes,  married  to  Hert!tiTes,  iii^ 
179.  Welcomes  her  husband  on  his  return  from  the  infernal  regions, 
ib.  199.    Killed  by  him  in  his  freniy,  ib.  220. 

Megesy  son  of  Phyleus,  commands  the  Grecian  troops  from  the  islands 
called  Taphiae  and  Ek^hinades,  ii,  81. 

Melamppe,  daughter  of  Desmontes,  has  two  sons  in  consequence  of  an 
amour  with  Neptune,  iii,  369. 

Meleagefy  from  juwXtof  "  inauspicious,"  aud  ayga  "  pr^y,"  iii,  3T2.  Son  to 
Oeneus  king  of  Calydon  and  Althaea  Thestins'  daugiiter,  ib.  Kills  the 
wild  boar  which  infested  his  country,  ib.  375.  ' 

3Ielon,  son  of  Eteoclus,  supposed  to  be  the  Boy  introduced  in  the  Sup. 
pliants,  ii,  58. 

Men£lau8y  younger  son  of  Atrens  and  ^rope,  manies  Helen,  i,  62 ; 
ii,  70.  On  his  Wife  being  taken  from  him  by  Paris,  summons  all 
Greece  to  revenge  Uie  insult,  ib.  Prevails  on  Agamemnon  to  sacrifice 
his  daughter  Iphigenia,  ib.  72.  On  Troy  being  taken,  he  recovers 
Helen,  ib.  292,  326.  Purposes  to  put  her  to  deatli  on  his  return  to^ 
Greece,  ib.  334.  Lands  with  her  in  iEgypt,  ^nds  the  real  Helen  in 
the  palace  of  Hieoclymenus,  and  is^sensible  of  having  been  deluded 
by  a  phantom  which  vanishes  into  air,  iii,  34.  Acknowledges  ih% 
virtue  of  the  real  Helen,  whom  he  receives  with  transport,  ib.  35. 
Escapes  with  her  from  ^gypt,  ib.  80—83.    Anchors  at  Malea  a  aea 


(MMi  in  tM  Sparbm  tenitories,  ancl  hearing  of  his  brotiier  Agamem- 
non's death,  comes  ifrom  thence  to  Argos,  i,  76.  Refnses  to  assist 
Orestesy  ib.  93*  Affiances  Hennome  to  him,  ib.  143.  Gives  her  m 
marriage  to  Neoptolemns  vith  a  large  dower,  ib.  458.  Is  going  to 
kill  Andromache  and  her  son  Molossus,  who  are  rescued  by  Peleus^ 
li,  465-^485.    Ordained  to  live  in  the  happy  Islands,  iii,  87. 

Menesiheus,  son  of  Petseus,  his  usurpation  of  the  throne  of  Atiiens,  and 
reign  of  twenty-three  years  between  that  of  Theseus  and  his  son 
Demophoon  totally  passed  over  by  Euripides,  i,  7 ;  iiy  462. 

MenaeeWy  father  of  Creon  and  Jocasta,  i,  159. 

Menaeeun,  son  of  Creon,  named  after  his  grandfather,  i,  197,  Directed 
by  Tiresias  to  be  sacrificed,  i,  !g07.  Commanded  by  his  father  to 
lly  from  Thebes,  i,  208.  Throws  himself  h^dlong  from  tiie  battle- 
ments,  and  is  cdebrated  as  the  saviour  of  his  country,  i,  S13. 

Mercury^  son  of  Jnpiter  and  Mata  one  of  the  Pleiades,  messenger  of 
the  Gods,  in,  91.  Conveys  the  infant  Ion  to  tlie  threshold  of  ApoUo^s 
temple  at  Delphi,  ib.  93.  Sent  to  Danae,  ib.  315.  Avenges  the 
deatii  of  his  son  M yrtihis  on  the  house  of  Pelops,  by  sending  a  ram 
ifitii  a  golden  fleece  among  the  flocks  of  Atreus,  i,  109.  Conducts 
the  three  Goddesses  to  mount  Ida,  for  Paris  to  determine  the  prize 
of  beauty,  i,  464 ;  ii,  136.  Conveys  Helen  through  the  air  to  £gypt, 
iii,  5,  16. 

Metkmes,  a  Cretan  chief,  descended  from  Mars,  ii,  TT» 

MermeruSf  one  of  the  sons  of  Jason  and  Medea  murdered  by  their  mo- 

*  ther,  i,  305. 

Meropey  widow  of  Cresphontes  king  of  Messeniai  and  forcibly  married 
by  Polyphontes  his  murderer,  iii,  364. 

MavpSy  husband  of  Dymene,   and  the  reputed  father  of  i%aeton,    iii 
397. 

J^hssenger,  brings  Electro  an  account  of  the  Argive  people  hairing  passed 
sentence  of  death  on  her  and  Orestes,  i,  103*  Informs  Jocasta  of  the 
Thebans  having  repulsed  the  Argives,  i,  21 3«  And  of  her  sons  having 
agreed  to  decide  their  cfadms  to  the  throne  by  a  single  combat,  i,  gl9* 
Informs  Creon  of  the  deaths  of  Eteodes  and  Polymces,  i,  SS6,  And  of 
Jocasta  having  killed  herself,  i,  $29.  Relates  to  Medea  the  deaths 
of  Creon  and  his  daughter,  i,  300.  Acquaints  the  Cliorus  with 
Phaidra's  death,  i,  354.  Comes  to  Tlieseas  with  tidings  of  Hippolytus' 
being  thrown  from  his  chariot,  i,  372.  Gives  Peleus  an  account  of 
his  grandson  Neoptolemns'  murder  by  the  citizens  of  Delphi,  i,  497. 
Relates  Theseus'  victory  over  Creon,  il,  35.  Informs  Agamemnon 
of  Clytemnestra's  and  Iphigenia's  arriVal  at  Aulis,  ib.^9.  Comes  to 
tell  Thoas  of  Iphigenia's  fliglit,  ib.  227.  Describes  the  Bacchanaliftn 
orgies,  ib.  377.  Relates  the  deatii  of  Pentheus,  ib.  393—397.  Conducts 
the  captive  Eurj-stheus  to  Alcmena,  ib.  496.  Informs  Menelaus  of 
the  supposed  Helen  having  vanished,  iii,  34.  Informs  Theoclymenus 
of  the  flight  of  Menelaus  and  Helen,  ib.  80.  Brings  an  account  of 
Hercules  having  murdered  his  wife  and  sons,  ib.  218.    Acqaalats 

G  02 


452  INDBX. 

Ekctm  with  Omtes  hsving  slaiii  /Egittfaos,  ib«  284*    Ougiit  to  ret^ra 
with  Hie  utmoftt  speed  when  he  hai  delivered  his  lord's  commands,  ii, 
24.    Ought  to  perform  his  lord's  mandates  with  seal,  iii,  315. 
MesseMf  a  fruitful  region  in  the  southern  part  of  the  Peloponesus,  iii, 

365. 

Mimas,  one  of  the  Titans,  slain  by  Jupiter  with  a  thunderbolt^  iii,  99. 

Minerva,  bom  from  the  head  of  Jupiter,  Prometheus  performing  the 
obstetric  part,  iii,  114.  Her  temple  at  Troy,  i,  45*  Directs  tiie 
Argives  to  swear  perpetual  friendship  with  the  Athenians,  ii,  61. 
Commands  Thoas  to  desist  from  pursuing  Orestes  and  Iphigenia,  and 
relates  the  events  that  were  to  be&il  them,  ib.  334.  Directs  Diomede 
and  Ulysses  to  kill  Rhesus,  ib.  270.  Appears  to  Paris  under  the  form 
of  Venus,  ib.  272.  Her  conference  with  Neptune,  ib.  293.  Diseloaes 
to  Ion  his  birth  and  the  fortunes  of  his  descendants,  iii,  173.  Contends 
vrith  Venus  and  Juno  for  the  golden  apple,  i,  465 ;  ii,  136,  329.  The 
truth  of  that  history  denied  by  Hecuba,  ii,  331.    Represented  at  the 

.  temple  at  Delphi  warring  against  Enceiadus,  iii,  98.  Piles  the  moun- 
tain of  ^tna  on  that  vanquished  giant,  ib.  217.  Athens,  which  de- 
rived its  name  from  her,  called  her  city,  ii,  236 ;  iii,  158.  And  in  a 
number  of  other  phice^. 

Minotaur,  a  monster  sprung  from  Pasiphae  wife  of  Minos,  slain  by  The* 
sens,  iii,  236»  357. 

Mutyans,  a  people  who  dwelt  at  Orchomenum  in  Boeotia,  subdued  by 
Hercules,  iii,  137. 

Mnemosyne,  Goddess  of  Meibory,  daughter  of  Ouranus,  and  Mother  to 
the  Muses,  iii,  207. 

Modesty,  Clytemnestra  applauds  the  reverence  expressed  for  it  by  Achil- 
les,  ii,  111.  Praised  by  Hippolytus  in  the  strongest  terms,  i,  320, 
348,  364 ;  iii,  362. 

Molossia,  a  region  of  Epirus  in  Greece,  i,  419,  506. 

Mohsaus,  son  of  Neoptolemus  and  Andromache,  rescued  from  Menelaus 
by  Peleusy  i,  484. 

Moon,  borrows  her  Ught  from  the  sun,  i,  167.  The  time  of  paying  in- 
terest-money regulated  by  it,  ib.  404. 

Mothers,  their  natural  love  for  their  children,  ii,  118 ;  iii,  350,  409. 

Mttsisus,  the  Athenian  poet,  pupils  of  Qrpheus,  his  pniisefl,  ii,  286. 

Muse,  the  mother  of  Rhesus,  ii,  259,  283 — 288. 

Muses,  attend  the  nuptials  of  Peleus  and  Thetis,  ii,  124. 

Music,  diverts  the  cheerful,  but  cannot  console  the  afflicted,  i,  257. 
Disused  m  times  of  deep  mourning,  ib.  405,  409. 

Mycene,  an  Aigive  city  erected  by  the  Cyclops,  near  Argos,  and  per- 
petually confounded  with  it  by  Euripides,  i,  151. 

Mycone,  one  of  the  islands  called  Cyclades  encircling  Delos,  ii,  295. 

Miffdon,  son.  of  Dymas,  a  Thracian  king,  and  father  to  Chor»bns« 
ii,  268. 

Myrmdons,  the  soldiers  of  Achilles,  the  name  derived  from  Mt/p|uflt>  **ut 
ant,*'  ii,  79,  111,  139. 


INDBX.  453 

J/jfFfiiw,  son  of  Mercnry  and  charioteer  of  Oenomaiis,  bribed  and  af- 
terwards mnrdered  by  Pelops,  i,  109,  146. 

Myaioy  a  country  of  the  lesser  Asia  bordering  on  Phrygia,  ii,  254; 
m,  392. 


N. 

NtUwety  nnch  i«8p€cted  in  Athens,  iii,  125^  353. 

Naiure,  its  various  effects  on  the  human  mindy  i,  66.  Not  liable  to 
cfaangey  iii,  291* 

iVoapKiis,  son  of  Neptune  and  lather  of  Palamedes,  ii,  76.  Avenges 
his  son's  death  by  kindling  beacons  on  the  rocks  of  Eubcea,  and  causing 
the  shipwreck  of  great  part  of  the  Grecian  fleet,  iii,  42,  61. 

AeMinty,  her  temple  never  opened  for  the  admission  of  Votaries,  i,  436. 
Governs  both  Gods  and  men,  ii,  236.  is  submitted  to  patiently  by 
the  wise,  iii,  417. 

Nematij  a  forest  between  Argos  and  Corinth,  where  Hercules  slew  a 
terrible  lion,  iii,  151,  185,  193. 

Nemesis^  Goddess  of  vengeauce>  daughter  of  Jupiter  and  Necessity, 
i,  167  i  ii,  258,  263 ;  iii,  420. 

fffeopioUmus^  son  of  Achilles  and  Deidamia,  stabs  Priam  at  the  altar  of 
Heroean  Jupiter,  i,  4.  Sacrifices  Polyxeua  to  appease  the  manes  of 
his  lather,  ib.  1^5•  Destined  to  perish  at  Delphi,  ib.  142.  Select 
Andromache  widow  of  Hector  from  the  Trojan  captives,  ib.  451*' 
Has  a  son  by  her  named  Molossus,  ib.  452,  Marries  Hermione  daugh- 
ter of  Menelaus,  ib.  Goes  to  Delphi  to  deprecate  the  vengeance  of 
Apollo,  ib.  453.  Is  murdered  by  the  citizens  of  Delphi  at  the  instiga- 
tion of  Orestes,  ib.  499«-^3. 

^q^itwu,  called  the  fiUher  of  Theseus,  i,  372.  Promises  thrice  to  grant 
his  prayer,  i,  359.  The  monster  sent  by  him  to  destroy  Hippolytus, 
1,560,383.  Favours  theTrqjans,  ii,  232.  His  conference  with  Mi- 
nerva, ib.  293.    Erectheus  slain  by  him,  iii,  103. 

Nefeiu,  the  sea  God,  son  of  Oceanus  and  Tethys,  his  prophetic  know- 
ledge, iii,  4.    His  love  of  justice  ib.  54. 

Nermuft  fifty  Daughters,  ii,  176 ;  iii,  147.  Attend  the  nuptials  of 
Peleus  and  their  sister  Thetis,  ii,  124.  Furnish  Achilles  with  armour 
wrought  by  Vulcan,  iii,  265. 

JSedWy  son  of  Neleus,  commands  the  troops  sent  against  Troy  from 
Pylos,  ii,  80.    His  honied  tongue,  iii,  405. 

Night,  the  giver  of  sleep,  i,  69.  Described  on  the  Delphic  tapestry 
riding  in  a  chariot  drawn  by  unyoked  horses,  iii,  150.  Motlier  of  tlie 
Furies,  ip.  214. 

Mightmgak^  Aedon  daughter  of  Paiidarus,  metamorphosed  into  that 
bird,  ii,  267.    Its  plaintive  strain,  iii,  60. 

Hik^  the  river  which  waters  iEgypt,  its  current  supplied  by  the  melting 
of  the  snow,  iii,  3. 


454  INPEX. 

Niobe,  daughter  of  Tantalus  and  wife  of  Amphion,  her  fourteen  children 
slain  by  the  shafts  of  ApoUo,  iii,  365.  The  tomb  of  her  seven  danglF' 
ters  within  sii;fat  of  the  Tiieban  bulwarks,  i,  166* 

Nireus,  king  of  Syma,  the  most  beautiful  of  the  Grecian  chiefs,  ii,  77 • 

NisuSy  son  of  Pandion  and  king  of  Megara,  iii,  219. 

Noble  birth,  of  the  utmost  service  in  adversity,  i,  485 ;  ii,  468.  In- 
duces cliildren  to  emulate  the  virtues  of  their  fathers,  i,  17;  iii,  316, 
394.  Considered  as  a  frivolous  distinction,  iii  SS2.  Makes  the  ub-' 
fortunate  ashamed  of  earning  their  livelihood  by  honest  industry,  ib« 
346.    Confers  no  real  nobility  on  the  wicked,  ib.  350. 

Noman,  the  quibbles  of  Ulysses  on  that  word,  to  deceive  Polypiieme,  ii, 
439,  447. 

iVwrs^,  of  Medea,  laments  the  misfortuBcs  of  her  mistress,  i,  249— «57'« 
Of  PhaE^dra,  endeavours  to  soothe  her,  i,  3S5.  Advises  her  not  to 
resist  the  power  of  Venus,  i,  337.  Makes  di^onourable  overtures  to 
Hippolytus,  vhich  he  rejects  witli  indignation,  i,  347. 

Ntpnphs,  a  sacrifice  prepared  for  tliem  by  ^gistlms^  iii,  275,  285. 

Nyssa,  a  mountain  in  India  frequented  by  Bacchus,  ii,  371. 


^     O. 

Oath  of  iEgeus,  i,  284.  Of  Helen's  suitors,  ii,  70.  Of  Iphigeiiia  and 
that  of  Py lades,  ii,  193. 

OathSy  the  equivocating  distinction  of  Hippolytus  in  respect  to  them,  i, 
346.  The  guiU  of  those  who  take  false  ones  to  save  their  lives,  ex- 
tenuated, iii,  407. 

Oeax,  brother  of  Palamedes,  an  enemy  to  Orestes,  i,  81. 

Oechaliuj  a  city  in  Messenia  sacked  by  Hercules,  i,  343 ;  iif,  197. 

OedipuSi  son  of  Laius  and  Jocasta,  the  name  derived  from  n^fxot,  a 
**  swelling,"  and  trof,  **  the  foot,**  i,  160.  Exposed  on  mount  CHbseron, 
ib.  Educated  by  Poly  bus,  ib.  Kills  his  father,  i,  161.  Solves  the 
senigma  of  the  Sphynx,  obtains  theTheban  throne,  and  marries  his 
mother,  by  whom  he  has  four  children,  ib.  Tears  out  his  own  eyes, 
ib.  Is  deposed  by  his  Sons  and  curses  the^n,  i,  162.  Baoisked  from 
Thebes  by  Creon,  i,  235.  Foretold  by  an  oracle  that  he  shidl  die  at 
Coloneus  near  Athens,  i,  242.  His  daughter  Antigone  attends  him  in 
his  exile,  i,  243.  Happy  at  first,  but  afterwards  the  most  wretched 
of  men,  i,  212  j  iii,  331.  A  fragment  of  a  Tragedy  of  that  name>' 
iii,  375—376. 

Oefieus^  king  of  Calydon  and  grandfather  of  Diomede,  ii,  284 ;  tii^  377. 

Oenoe,  a  city  of  Argos  where  Diana  had  a  temple,  iii,  194. 

Oenomausy  son  of  Mars,  king  of  Elis  and  Pisa,  iii,  378.  His  daughter 
Hippodamia  won  by  Pelops,  ii,  159.  Slain  by  the  spear  ofPclops, 
ii,  198. 

Oenone,  an  island  in  the  Saronlan  bay,  afterwards  called  JEgink  from 
.Sginadaughter  of  Asopos^  ii,  103. 


19 


INDEX.  455 

i  ii'lrs  Oepfij  a  mountain  in  Thessaly,  on  wbieh  Hercules  was  burnt  to  death 

^  ii,  496. 

Offerings  to  the  dead,  i,  60  ;  ii,  166 ;  iii,  268* 
i,  77.  Officer,  persuades  Hippoly  tus  to  invoke  Venus,  i,  3^2. 

OiL-iepSy  father  of  Anipliiareus  the  Argive  seer,  ii,  48. 
L  Ji  Oileus,  kuig  of  Locris  and  tather  of  the  Lesser  Ajax,  ii,  76,  250. 

I,  ^\i,  OldragCy  not  without  its  advaAtages,  i,  183     A  heavy  burden,  iii,  g06. 

lev  Weakens  the  mental  faculties,  ib,  3S0. 

,  ib,  Old'fnany  irritates  Creusa  a^inst  Ion,  iii,  134, 145.    Sent  to  poison  him, 

ib.     Fails  in  the  attempt,  ib.  153.    One  who  iiad  attended  Agamem- 
e.jL  non  from  his  childhood,  recognizes  Orestes^  ib.  1^71.' 

fQ/iNcofiMfi,  their  marrying  young  husbands  censured,  iii,  415. 
»3*        '        OlynapuBf  a  very  high  mountam  between  Thessaly  and  Macedon,  the 
se^t  of  the  Gods,  ii,  295. 
Omewt,   evil,  alarms  Hercules  on  his  entrance  into  Thebes,  iii,  ^03. 
Cfvatie,  warns  Laius  ^gainst  begetting  a  son,  i,  159.    Given  to  ^geus 
on  the  same  subject,  i,  280.    Directs  Agamemnon  to  sacrifice  his 
daughter  Iphigenia,  ii,  71.    Directs  Orestes  to  kill  his  mother,  i, 
^8.     ^d  afterwards  to  convey  the  image  of  Diana  from  Xauric  S/cy- 
thia  to  Athens,  ii,  163b    Cpmmands  Demophoon  to  sacrifice  a  viigin 
to   Ceres,  ii,  472.    Of  Apolio,  givei?  to  Acrisius,  iii,  313. 
Oracle  of  Apollo  at  Delplju,  expounded  pn  public  days  to  each  foreigner 

in  the  language  of  his  own  country,  iii,  95,  113. 
OrcHS.    bee  Pluto. 

ih^es,  son  of  Agameirinon,  brought  tq  Aulis  by  his  mother  Clytem- 
nestra,  while  yet  an  infant,  ii,  98.  Borne  in  tlie  arms  of  his  sister 
Ipfaigenia  when  ahe  imiitqres  her  father  to  spare  her  life,  ib.  is? — 1$3, 
174.  Conveyed  ffjDm  Argos  by  si;ealth,  iii,  245.  Returns,  and 
is  racognietd  by  liis  sister  Electra,  ib.  2164 — 272,  Kills  iEgistlius 
ib.  287.  And  Clytemnestra,  ib.  302.  Haunted  by  tlie  Furies>  i,  62^ 
72,  79,  494 ;  ii,  17 1»  207.  Tried  and  condemned  by  tlie  Argive 
people,  i,  iO&^r'tQ7.  Affianced  to  Hermione,  i,  143.  Instigates  the 
^dzens  of  Delphi  to  murder  Neoptolemus,  ii,  113.  Carries  off  Her- 
niqn^^  ib  49^.  Acquitted  at  the  Athenian  Areopagus,  ib.  206. 
Lands  in  Tauric  Scytliia,  ib.  163.  Is  seized  by  the  peasants,  ib.  172. 
Brought  to  the  tempk  in  orde;'  to  be  sacrificed,  ib.  177.  Recognized 
l)y  his  sister  Iplugenia,  ib.  198.  They  escape  with  the  statue  of 
X>m^,  lb.  22l5^234«  His  Icing  and  happy  reign,  iii,  307. 
pregtefimy  a  city  of  Arcadia,  so  named  firom  being  the  re^^ence  of 

Orestes  during  his  exile,  i,  142. 
Orgiie»  of  Bacchus  described,  ii|  377. 

|>rioff,  the  constellation,  formerly  a  famous  hunter,  who,  according  to 

,the  schojiiast,  was  stvng  to  deatli  by  a  scorpion  for  attempting  to 

ravish  Diana,  darts  fire  from  liis  eyes,  i,  49.    Armed  with  a  club,  iii, 

79.    With  a  sword,  ib.  150. 

Orphau,  son  of  Oeagrus  a  Thracian  lung  and.  the  muse  Calliope,  ii,  287* 


456  iNDEXt 

Brings  back  his  wife  Eorydice  from  the  infernal  regions,  i,  405.    Hi| 
magic  incantations,  ii,  132,  445.    His  vegetable  diet,  i,  362. 

Ossa,  a  mountain  inThessaly,  iii,  266. 

Othrya^  a  Thessalian  mouitain  haunted  by  beasts  of  prey,  i,  419. 

Ottfoiittf,  father  of  tlie  Gods,  deposed  by  bis  son  Saturn,  iii,  214. 

Oifen,  the  chariot  of  Cadmus  and  Haimouia  drawn  by  them,  ii,  406. 

P. 

PaatUy  from  "Paan,  a  name  of  Apollo,  soncs  of  praise  ta  him,  and  io  a 

larger  sense  to  the  Gods  in  general,  ii,  167. 
Pamtians,  a  people  of  Macedon  on  the  confines  of  Mysia,  atti«  of 

the  Trojans,  ii,  967» 
I^Uenum^  the  name  of  Meljccrta  son  of  Ino,  after  he  became  a  Sea^, 

»,  170 ;  iii,  361. 
Pafimrcles,  son  of  ICanplins,  inventor  of  letters,  iii,  S79.    One  of  the 
confederate  Grecian  ehiets,  ii,  76,  His  claim  to  tbe  mvention  of  Chess 
enquired  into,  il?;  and  i,  251.  Unjustly  put  to  death,  iii,  380.  His  mur- 
der strongly  resented  by  his  brother  Oeax,  i,  81.    Avenged  by  Nau- 
plius,  who  lights  up  beacons  on  the  rocks  of  Euboea,  and  causes  the; 
shipwreck  of  part  of  the  Grecian  fleet,  iii,  42,  6l. 
PnUuriu,  a  shrub  now  called  Christ-tlioro,  ii,  43^. 
PaUas^    See  Minerva. 

PaUas,  son  of  Pandion  kmg  of  Athens,  i,  318. 
PaUeney  a  small  town  in  AtUca,  where  was  a  temple  of  Minerva,  ii, 

493. 

Pan,  the  shepherds*  God,  conducts  the  Golden  Km  to  the  stalb  of 

Atreus,  iii,   281.    His  flute  often  heard  from  Gitfaaeron,   i^  389. 

Loved  by  the  Naiads,  iii,  13.    Inspires  those  8o4^eii  iean  from  him 

called  paRtc,  ii,  243. 

PandUm,  king  of  Athens,  son  of  Erectheus  and  fl|ther  to  iEgeus,  i,  279. 

Pangamn,  a  Thraeian  mountain  on  the  confines  of  itacedoo,  ii,  261> 

385. 
PanihetUy  son  of  Otreus  and  priest  of  Apollo  at  Troy,  Ws  three  sons, 

ii,  242. 
PapfiM,  a  city  of  Cyprus  where  Venus  was  worshipped,  ii,  363. 
Par«MaMs,  a  people  of  Attica,  ii,  35. 

Paris,  a  son  of  Priam  and  Hecuba,  before  his  birth  caUed  the  Torch  by 
the  prophetic  Cassandra,  iii,  323,  Exposed  and  bred  up  as  a 
shepherd  on  mount  Ida,  ii,  97,  135.  Adjudges  the  golden  Apple  to 
Venus,  i,  28,  465.  Who  bestows  Helen  on  him,  ii,  75.  tie  carries 
off  that  princess  from  Sparta  in  the  absence  of  Menelans,  ib.  330, 
AchiUes  slain  by  his  shafts,  i,  17.  His  death,  ii,  330;  iii,  38. 
Pamasnu,  a  mountain  in  Phocis  sacred  to  Apollo  and  Bacchus,  its 
cloven  summit,  i,  169.  The  oracle  established  there  by  Apollo, 
after  having  slain  the  Python,  ii,  224—226.  Hannted  by  Bacchus^ 
it,  224^  360.    Too  steep  for  human  £eet  to  ascend,  iii,  95. 


INDEX.  457' 

^  ^^irrtoM,  a  region  in  Arcadia,  i,  141. . 

Parricide,  a  crime  unheard  of  among  the  Barbarians,  ii,  S17. 
Pai^henius,  one  of  the  principal  mountains  in  Arcadia,  iii,  39?. 
Parthenopeeus,  son  of  Meleai^  and  Atalanta,  one  of  the  seven  Chiefs 
«vfao  marched  against  Thebes,  i,  165.    His  shield  described,   i,  214* 
Slam  by  Periclimenns,  i,  217.    Adrastus's  encomium  on  him,  ii,  47. 
Passimu,  various,  occupy  the  yrfaole  life  of  man,  iii,  386. 
Peacey  the  benefiictrcss  of  mankind,  ii,  25.    Hymn  to,  iii,  365. 
PAiatait,  the  nominal  Husband  of  Electra,  in,  246.    Receives  Orestes 
I  and  Pyhides  witli  the  greatest  hospitality,  iib.  262.    Castor  and  Pol- 

lux direct  his  merits  to  be  rewarded,  ib.  307. 
^ '  PeganUf  a  winged  horse  sprung  from  the  blood  of  Medusa,  given  to  Bel- 

leropbon  by  Neptune,  iii,  98,  266. 
r  PeUu^iwu,  liie  Argives  anciently  so  called  from  Pelasgus  son  of  Jnplter 

and  father  to  Lycaon,  i,  106. 
ft  Peleu9,  son  of  .£aeus,   his  heroic  exploits,  i,  485.    Marries  Thetis 

ft  daughter  of  Nereus,  and  his  nuptials  are  honoured  with  the  presence  of 

r.  the  Gods,  ii,  124.    Kmg  of  Phthki  in  Thessaly,  1,  4521    Rescues 

p.  Andf omache  and  Molossns  from  Menelaus,  ib.  475-«>-485.    Destined 

I  to  be  a  God,  and  reside  in  ^e  waterv  mansions  of  Nereus,  jb.  507. 

A  Fragment,  iii,  312, 
PeUaSy  a  Thessalian  king,  uncle  to  Jason,  sends  his  nephew  in  quest  of 
tiie  golden  fleece,  i,  249.    Slain  by  liis  own  daughters  at  the  instiga^ 
don  of  Medea,  i,  271.    Daughters  of,  a  Fragment,  iii,  382. 
Pelum,  a  mountain  in  Thessaly,  its  pines  f^Ued  to  build  the  Argo,  i, 
249.    Inhabited  by  the  Centaurs,  ii,  104.    The  nuptials  of  Peleus 
and  Tl^etis  there  celebrated,  ib.  124. 
Pdoponams^  the  Urge  peninsula  of  Greece,  first  called  Apia  and  Pelasgia,. 

receives  that  name  from  Pelops  i,  146. 
PehpSf  son  of  Tantalus,  served  up  by  his  father  in  a  banquet  to  the 
Gods,  who  restore  him  to  life,  iii,  22.  That  history  disbelieved  by 
Iphigenia,  ii,  175.  Obtains  for  his  wife  Hippodamia,  daugliterof 
Oenomaus,  ib.  159.  Kills  that  monarch,  ib.  198.  Murders  Myrtil- 
lus,  i,  109.  Oirses  Laius  for  having  stolen  away  his  spurious  son 
jphrysippus,  i,  159,  235 •  Some  account  of  his  fnmily,  i,  147. 
PeneZope^  wife  of  Ulysses,  celebrated  for  her  chastity,  i,  88;  ii,  S07 ; 

iii,  383. 
PaieuSy  a  river  in  Thessaly  near  the  foot  of  moimt  Olympus,  ii,  299 ; 

iii,  194.  ' 

Pentheusy  son  of  Echion  and  Agave,  king  of  Thebes  on  the  resignation 
of  his  gr^idfkther  Cadmus,  ii,  350.  Orders  Bacchus  to  be  im- 
prisoned, ib.  3^9.  Becopies  frantic,  ib.  367.  Goes  disguised  in 
female  apparel  to  view  the  orgies  of  the  Maenades,  ib.  890.  Is  torn  in 
pieces  by  Agave  and-her  sisters,  ib.  396. 
Pergamtu,    See  Troy. 

PeiicUmennSy  son  of  Neptune,  kills  Parthenopapus  with  a  stone  thrown 
from  the  walls  of  Thebes,  i,  217. 


458  INDEX. 

Periphetes,   son  of  Vulcan,    a  robber   skun   by  Theseus  near    £pt- 

daiinis,  ii,  37. 
Persia^  the  heat  of  its  climate,  ij,  349. 
Perseus,  son  of  Jupiter  and  Danar^,  conquers  the  Gorgous  in  the  wes« 

tern  regions  ot  4^fnca,  iii,  42.    Borne  through  the  air  to^yards  ^j^ob 

with  the  Gorgon*s  head,  ib.  328.    Rescues  Andromeda  from  a  Sea- 
monster,  ib.  329,    Builds  Mycene  w^th  jthe  assistance  of  tiie  Cyclops, 
.   ii,  149. 
PermtuioHf  the  soul  of  man  her  only  altar,  iii,  331.    The  empress  of 

the  human  soul,  i,  36. 
Phaedray  daughter  of  Minos  and  ivife  of  Theseus,  inspired  by  Venus 

witli  a  passion  for  her  son-in-law  Hippolytus,  i,  318.    Pnts  an  end  to 

her  own  life,  i,  353.    Leaves  a  letter  charging  Hippolytus  with  at. 

tempting  to  violate  his  father's  bed,  i,  368.    A  Fragment,  iii,  398. 
Pluteton,  son   of  Apollo   and  Clymene  wife  of  Merops,  atten^pts  to 

^ve  his  father's  chariot,  iii,  396.    Perishes  in  the  river  Eridanus  qr 

Po  in  Italy,  i,  352. 
PbaroSy  an  island  at  tlie  mouth  oi  the  Nile,  where  was  the  palace  of  the 

kings  of  .£gypt,  iii,  3. 
Pherad,  acity  ofTbessaly,  its  pleasant  situation  described,  i,  418.. 
PJieredus^  builder  of  the  ship  which   conveyed  Paris  from  Troy  to 

Sparta,  iii,  15. 
Phsres,  son  of  Ci'etheus  and  father  of  Admetus,  founder  of  Pheraea  in 

Thessajy,  reports  the  invectives  of  his  son  i,  4^2. 
plferes^  one  of  the  sons  of  Jason  and  Medea  whom  their  mother  mur- 

dened,  i,  305^ 
PhUammmy  son  of  AppUo  and  Cbione,  father  of  the  minstrel  Thamyxis, 

ii,  286.  '*       '  ■  s 

PhihcteteSy  ^  Grecian  hero  who  broi^ht  to  Troy  the  arrows  of  Hercules, 

with  which  be  slew  Paris,  iii,  3918.  The  wound  in  his  foot  described, 

ib.  399. 

PhUomeUt,  daughter  of  Pandion  king  of  Atiiens,  and  ravished  by 
Tereus  her  sister  Progne's  husband,  her  transformation  into  a 
nightingale,  and  murdering  her  nephew  Itys,  alhided  to,  iii,  221. 

PhiUreSy  or  love  potions,  their  different  eiSects,  i.  341. 

PhmeuBy  brother  to  Ccpheus  king  of  Ethiopia,  changed  by  Perseys  into 
a  rock,  ii,  176. 

PhUgroy  a  peninsula  in  Macedon,  m  here  the  battle  was  (pught  betweei^ 
tlie  Gods  and  Giants,  ii,  493  ;  iii,  141, 230. 

PhociSf  a  Grecian  province  to  the  north  of  the  bay  of  Corinth,  ii|> 
202, 

PhocuSf  son  of  i^cus,  murdered  by  his  brother,  i,  481. 

Pkahe,  daughter  of  Tyndarus  and  Leda,  ii,  69. 

Plueniciaf  subject  to  kings  descended  from  Phoenix,  son  of  Agenor  and 
brother  to  Cadmus,  i,  169,  171.  Some  captive /damsels  sent  from 
thence  as  votive  offerings  to  Apollo,  detained  at  Thebes  in  their  pas- 
sage to  Delphi,  ib. 


INDEX  459 

Phmix^   son  of  Agenor,  the  founder  of  Phoenicia,  iii,  i03« 

PkeeniXy  son  of  Amyntor,  having  rejected  the  vicious  solicitatioas  of 

Cly tia,  his  fattier's  harlot,  was  by  her  accused  to  Amyntor  of  having 

defiled  his  bed  :  the  credulous  father  caused  the  eyes  of  his  son  to  be 

put  out;  but  they  were  restored  by  Chiron  to  whom  Peleus  conducted 

him  :  Peleus  then  made  him  king  of  the  Dolopians,  a  people  of  £pi« 

^DM,  bordering  on  Phtiiia;  he  was  the  faitliful  friend'knd  counsellor  of 

Achilles,  whom  he  accompanied  to  the  siege  of  Troy,  iii,  400. 

T^hoViCy  a  forest  in  Arcadia,  where  Hercules  defeated  the  Centaurs, iii,  186. 

Pfun'baSy  commands  the  Athenian  cavalry  in  &e  engagement  between 

Theseus  and  Creon,  ii,  S6« 
"Phrygian    See  Troy, 
Phrygian  captives  attending  Helen,  a  piultitude  of  tliem  defeated  bj 

Orestes  and  Py lades,  i,  131. 
PJuryjrus,  son  of  Athamas   and  Nephe|d^  being  harraesed  by  his  stejv 
mother  Ino,  fled  from  his  father's  house,  and  was  borne  through  the 
air  on  a  golden  Ram,  the  gift  of  Mercury,  from  Thessaly  to  Colchos, 
where  he  married  Calciope,  one  of  the  dsinghters  of  Mutes ;  lie  then 
sacrificed  the  golden  Ram  to  Jupiter,  and  bestowed  the  fleece  on 
JErXes,  from  wliom  it  was  taken  by  the  Argonauts,  iii,  401. 
Phyl^ms,  father  of  Meges  who  commanded  the  troops  from  the  islaadi 
.  called  Echinades  at  the  siege  of  Troy,  ii,  81. 

Physidansy  ought  to  adopt  their  remedies  to  the  disease,  instead  of  be^lg 
wholly  guided  by  antient  usage,  iii,  347 ;  warned  against  being  too 
precipitate,  ib.  410.    Attentive  to  diet  and  climate,  ib.  416. 
Pifituresj  of  later  date  than  the  siege  of  Troy,  through  frequently  n^n- 

tioned  by  Euripides,  i,  364. 
Pierm,  a  Mountain  in  Thessaly,  where  the  Muses  are  said  to  have  been 

bom,  ii,  371 . 
PilUer,  tiie  imagery  of,  in  Iphigenia*8  dream,  ii,  160. 
PHUus  of  Hercules,  the  two  mountains  of  Abyla  in  Africa  and  Calpe  in 

Europe,  the  limits  of  the  western  world,  iii,  195. 
Piftee  of  Pelion,  felled  for  the  construction  of  tlie  Argo,  i,  249.    Of  Ida, 

^led  to  build  theship  which  carried  Paris  to  Sparta,  i,  28;  iii,  15* 
PirUh^ugf  son  of  Ixion  and  comrade  of  Theseus,  was  slain  by  Cerberus 
when  he  went  witli  that  hero  to  the  infernal  regions  to  carry  off  Pro- 
serpine, iii,  379. 
Pimy  a  region  of  Elis  near  the  banks  of  Alpheus,  Pelo|>s  there  won 
Hippodamia,  and  celebrated  Olympic  games,  i,  146  ;  ii,  159 ;  iii,  22* 
Pit€m€f  a  Spartan  city  near  the  banks  of  Eurotas,  ii,  337. 
Pittheus,  son  of  Pelops,  grandfather  of  Theseus  and  great-grandfatlier 
of  Hercules,  ii,  462.     Educates  his  great-gi^andson  Hippolytus  at 
Trcezene,  i,  318,    Mentioned  with  the  greatest  respect'by  Theseus, 
ib.  355. 
Tldades,  daugfat^^  of  Atias,  changed  into  seven  stars,  ii,  91. 
Pleiime,  wife  of  Atlas,  and  mother  of  the  seven  Pleiades,  ib. 


Ado  INDEX. 

PluUtmeSf  son  of  Pelop?  and  brother  <^  Atrou  and  Tliyestes,  iii,  585. 

PluiOj  wife  of  Tmolns  a  Lydian  king,  and,  by  Jupiter,  mother  to  Tanta- 
his,  i,  144. 

Pluto,  dwells  in  the  infernal  regions  apart  fitmi  aO  the  other  Cvods, 
i,  3.  Wedded  to  Proserpine,  who,  for  his  sake,  deserts  the  Hea- 
vens, iii,  73. 

Plvtus,  the  God  of  Riches,  son  of  Jasion  and  Ceres,  bbme  in  a  sable 
cliariot,  iiiy  212.  Despicable  because  eveiy  nUain  may  possess  him , 
ib.  519. 

Po,  otherwise  called  Eridanns,  a  river  of  Italy,  i,  352. 

Poetry f  an  nprofitable  porsuit,  iii,  335,  346. 

PoUux,  one  of  the  twin  sons  of  Jnpiter  and  Leda.    See  Cottar, 

Polybus,  king  of  Corinth,  breeds  up  Oedipus,  i,  160.  Called  his  &tfaer 
by  the  servants  of  Lains,  iii,  376. 

Polydore,  son  of  Priam  and  Hedoba,  entnisted  to  the  care  ofPolymestor, 
i,  3.  By  whom  he  was  murdered  and  thrown  into  the  sea,  i,  4.  His 
body  found  and  brought  to  Hecuba  for  interment^  i,  39. 

Po^donis,  son  of  Cadmus  and  Harmoma,  father  to  Labdacus,  i,  159; 
ii,405. 

Polygamy,  frequent  in  Thrace,  i,  461.  Censored,  ib.  472.  Defended, 
iii,  359. 

Polyidus,  a  Soothsa^rcr  and  Physician,  who  restored  to  life  Glaucus,  son 
of  Minos,  iii,  384. 

Polymestor,  king  of  Thrace,  an  ally  of  Priam,  i,  3.  Murders  Polydore^ 
who  had  been  entrusted  to  bis  care,  i,  4.  His  blasphemous  hnguagey 
t,  42.  His  children  are  slain,  and  he  is  deprived  of  his  eyes  by 
Hecnba,  i,  47.  Attempts  to  vindicate  his  conduct,  i,  50.  Foreteb 
the  metamorphosis  of  Hecuba,  i,  55.  And  the  death  of  Agamem- 
non, i,  57. 

Pohpnces,  younger  son  of  Oedipus  and  Jocasta,  driven  from  Thebes  by 
lus  brother  Eteocles,  i,  162.  Fi^ts  with  Tydens,  and  manries  a 
daughter  of  Adrastns,  i,  177.  Bribes  Eriphile  with  a  golden  necklace, 
iii,  S'<i6.  Marches  a^i^inst  Thebes  with  an  Argive  host,  i,  178.  Offers 
to  divide  the  kingdom,  i,  180.  He  and  Eteodes  slay  each  other  in 
smgle  combat,  i,  228.  Praised  by  Theseus,  ii,  49.  The  name  de- 
rived from  toXi;,  **  abundance"  and  wncaf,  «*  contention,*'  i,  189, 
231. 

Polyphemf,  the  Cyclops,  son  of  Nejitime,  his  cave  on  mount  JEtn% 
ii,  413.  Devours  two  of  Ulysses*  comrades,  ib.  432.  Intoxicated 
with  wine,  ib.  437—442     Deprived  of  his  eye,  ib.  446. 

Polyxcna,  daughter  of  Priam  and  Hecuba,  sacrificed  at  the  tomb  of 
AciiUles,  i,  24 ;  ii,  302. 

Pmtvi,  *<  Haihf,**  the  Euxine  sea,  so  called  by  way  of  eminence, 
ii,  173. 

Papidoce,  violent  in  their  resentments,  but  soon  cooled^  i^  99. 

Porthacn,  father  to  Oeneus  king  of  Calydon,  iii,  379* 


INDEX.  4(>1 

* 

Pocerifft  trains  op  fi  hardy  race,  in,  Sf'2.  A  Goddess  to  whom  no  tem- 
ple is  erected,  ib.  340.  Has  certain  advantages  over  wealth  or  noble 
birth,  ib.  346.    Productive  of  wisdom,  ib.  385. 

PraxUheOy  wife  of  Erectfaens,  consents  to  sacrifice  lier  daughter,  iii, 
353. 

Priamy  son  of  Laomedon,  and  king  of  Troy,  sacrifices  and  consults 
the  seers  previous  to  the  birtli  of  Paris,  iii,  334.  .  Slain  by  Neopto- 
lemus  at  the  altar  of  Hercaean  Jupiter,  i,  4 ;  ii,  392, 310. 

Progne^  daughter  of  Pandion  king  of  Atliens,  and  wife  to  Tereus  a 
Thracian  king,  murdered  her  own  son  Itys,  and  was  transformed  hito 
aswallow,  iii,  331. 

PrometheuSf  son  of  Japetus,  one  of  the  Titans,  performed  the  obstetric 
part  when  Minerva  was  bom  from  the  head  of  Jupiter,  iii,  114. 
Formed  men  out  of  clay,  and  stole  fire  from  Heaven  to  animate  them, 
ib.  363,  405.  Tydeus  brandishing  a  torch  compared  to  him,  i, 
«15. 

ProphetSy  their  credit  depends  wholly  on  good  fortune,  ii,  130.  Not  to 
be  relied  on,  iii,  41. 

Proserpine,  daughter  of  Jupiter  and  Ceres,  and  married  to  Pluto,  God  of 
the  infernal  regions^  i,  108 ;  iii,  13,  73,  334. 

ProienUau,  a  Grecian  chief,  the  first  who  leaped  on  the  Trojan  shore, 
and  was  immediately  slain  by  Hector,  i,  502.  His  \ridow,  Laodamia, 
daughter  of  Acastus,  resolves  not  to  survive  him,  iii,  386. 

Prcteusy  king  of  Mgypty  considered  by  Mercury,  who  placed  Helen 
under  his  protection,  as  the  most  virtuous  of  mankind,  iii,  5.  Dies, 
and  is  succeeded  by  his  son  Theoclymenus,  ib.  6.  Interred  at  tHe 
gate  of  his  palace,  ib.  63. 

Psamathe,  one  of  the  daughters  of  Nerens,  married  to  Proteus, 
ni,  3. 
•  Pyladesy  son  to  Strophius  king  of  Phocis  and  Anaxibia,  one  of  Pelopsf 
daughters,  ii,  303.  Not  bom  when  Iphigenia  was  sacrificed,  ib.  161. 
His  friendship  for  his  kinsman  Orestes,  whom  he  accompanies  on  his 
return  to  the  Argive  territory,  iii,  348.  Assists  him  in  sUying  ^gis- 
thus,  ib.  387  ;  and  Clytemnestra,  ib.  303.  Banished  from  Phocis  by 
his  fiither,  i,  96.  Attends  Orestes  at  bis  trial  before  the  people  of 
Argos,  i,  104 — 107.  He  and  Orestes  defeat  a  numerous  body  of 
Phrygian  captives,  Helen's  attendants,  i,  131.  Aflianced  to  Electra, 
i,  143.  Lands  with  Orestes  in  Tauric  Scythia,  ii,  162.  They  are 
seized  by  the  Peasants,  ib.  173.  Brought  to  the  temple  in  order 
to  be  sacrificed,  ib.  177.  His  life  spared  on  condition  of  his  carrying  a 
letter  to  Orestes,  ib.  185—195.  Their  esci^e»  ib.  327—236. 
PyhSy  a  city  in  Messenia,  subject  to  Nestor,  ii,  80. 
Pijn'hus,    See  Neoptolemus, 

Pythian  altar  at  Athens,  erected  by  the  younger  Pisistratus,  ii,  63. 
Pythian  Priestess,  bys  open  tlie  mystery  of  Ion's  birdi  by  producing  the 

chest  in  which  he  had  been  exposed,  iii,  16^. 
Python,  i'  serpent  which  infested  mount  Paruassus,  s!ain  by  the  shafts 


M  ApoHo,   mho  was  theoce  freqneatly  called   flie     Pftkian  Gc< 
i,  169,  Oy  ^'25. 

QugUmUf  oo^t  to  be  clear  and  (fistinct,  n,  181 ;  m,  75. 


R. 

Rttnty  golden,  introdiiced  by  Pan  among  the  flocLs  of  Atrens^  m,  28U 

Stolen  from  him  by  his  wife  .£F0pe,  and  borne  into  the  stalls  of  Thy' 

estes^  ib«  S82.    The  dreadful  consequences  arising  from  this  theft,  ib; 

and  i,  101.     For  an  account  of  that  Golden  Ram,  whose  fleece  was 

taken  from  .£etes  by  the  Argonauts,  see  Pkryjnu. 
jReccgniHon  of,  Admetos  and  Alcestis,  i,  445.    Iphigenia  and  Orestes^  n, 

196—198.    Menehms  and  the  real  Helen,  iii,  35.    Creusa  and  loo, 

ib.  167.    Orestes  and  Electra,  ib.  272. 
JSteUgioMy  invocation  of,  by  the  Chorus  of  Asiatic  dames,  followers  of 

Bacchus,  ii,  36^.    How  introduced,  iii,  388. 
Ehadmiumthusy  son  of  Jupiter  and  Europa,  and  brother  to  Minos,ajadge 

in  the  infernal  regions,  ii,  427  3  iii,  386. 
Khea.    See  Cybele. 
BhegySy  a  Thracian  king,  son  to  the  river  Strymon,  and  one  of  the 

Muses,  comes  with  his  troops  to  the  assistance  of  the  Trojans,  ii,  256. 

His  boastful  langna,,  ,  ib.  263.    Slain  by  Diomede  and  Ulysses,  ib. 

274,  279. 
TUuum,  a  promontory  of  the  Peloponesns,  situated  on  the  month  of  the 

Corinthian  bay,  iii,  174. 
Rich  and  Poor,  of  service  to  each  otiier  by  living  intermingled,  iii,  319* 

The  same  quantity  of  food  will  suffice  for  the  one  as  the  other,  ib  265. 
Riches,  the  source  of  human  honours,  i,  178.   Make  their  owners  cowards, 

i^  185.    Tl^ir  uses,  iii,  265.    Extolled  in  the  strongest  terms,  ib« 

545,  380. 

S. 

Sacrifice  of  Polj-xena,  i,  24.    Of  Iphigenia,  ii,  153.    Of  Macaria,  ii^ 

492. 
Salamis,  an  island  in  the  Saronian  bay  between  Attica  and  the  Pelopo- 

nesus,  ii,  81,  324.    A  city  named  from  thence,  erected  by  Teucep 

in  the  isle  of  Cyprus,  iii,  12. 
Salnwneus,  son  of  iEolus,  impiously  imitated  the  thunder  of  Jupiter, 

and  was  thereupon  destroyed  with  a  real  thunderbolt,  iii,  321.       , 
Swrdis,  the  chief  city  of  Lydia,  situated  at  the  foot  of  mount  Tmoku, 

ii,  365. 
Svpedon,  king  of  JLy^a,  son  of  Jupiter  and  Europa,  an  ally  of  the  Tro- 

jaos,  ii,  242. 


I 


♦I 


hrtmian  bay,  bet^iveen  Attica  and  Troezene,  which  was  sitnated  at  the 
extremity  of  the  Argive  territories  on  the  shore  of  the  Pelopmi^uSy 
i,  318,  372,  374.  Derived  its  name,  according  to  Pausanias,  fVom 
Saron,  an  antient  khig  of  Trcezene,  i,  3S7. 

Saturn^  deposes  his  father  Ouranus,  iii,  214*  His  amour  with  Philira 
danghter  of  Oceanus,  the  mother  of  Chiron,  ii,  104. 

Satunda,  or  daughter  of  S&tum.    See  Jut». 

Satyrsy  obtain  the  timbrel  from  Cybele,  otlierwise  called  Rhea,  the  mo- 
tl^erofthe  Gods,  ii,'S5f,  353.  Followers  of  Bacchus,  and  sailing  in 
quest  of  him,  are  driven  to  Sicily,  ib.  413*  Then*  dance  at  the  gate 
of  Althsea,  ib.  414.  Welcome  Ulysses  on  his  coming  to  meant  JEtstn, 
ib.  416.  Tlieir  account  of  Sicily,  ib.  417.  Conspire  with  Ulysses  to 
put  out  the  eye  of  Polypherae,  ib.  436.  Their  resolution  ftiils  them,  ib* 
444,  445.    Rejoice  in  their  escape  ^6m  the  Cyclops,  ib.  450. 

Saxfoii  gate,  at  Troy,  the  wooden  horse  introduced  through  it,  ii,311. 

Seoaumder,  a  river  near  Troy,  rising  in  mount  Ida,  and  running  into  the 
Hellespont,  ii,  29S ;  iii,  124. 

Saratif  a  robber  slain  by  Theseus  on  the  isthmus,  and  thrown  into  tha 
sea*  whose  bones  were  changed  into  rocks,  i,  36S ;  ii,  494 ;  iii,  389. 

SadptureSf  on  some  of  the  Grecian  ships,  ii,  79,  80. 

SeylUtf  daughter  to  Pttorcus  son  of  Neptune,  transformed  inti>  a  rock  be* 
tween  Italy  and  Sicily^  i,  309. 

Seyros,  an  island  in  the  ^gean  sea,  i,  451  ;  ii,  295 ;  iii,  S90» 

SeythiUy  for  the  peninsula  called  Taunc  Scy  thia,  see  Tauria: 

Scyihkais^  make  war  on  RheMs  and  the  Thraciams,  ii,  262.  Tlieir  heads 
close  shorn,  ib.335.  *^'" 

Setuoiu  of  the  year,  their  division,  iii,  416. 

Sea-nxtiery  sohitary  effects  of  bathing  in  it,  ii,  219. 

Seeref ,  if  conmiunicated  to  one,  soon  spreads  through  a  whole  city,  iii, 
S60. 

Seera,  an  ambitions  and  mischievous  race,  ii,  94. 

Sdf-Uftty  prevails  over  sobial,  i,  253.    Universal,  iii,  364. 

SemeUy  daughter  of  Cadmiis,  ami,  by  Jupiter,  mother  of  Bacchus,  her 
death,  and  tomb  erected  for  her  at  Hiebes,  ii,  349. 

Sentence  of  the  Areopagus  against  Orestes  and  Electn^  i,  107. 

Sepiay  a  promontory  in  Thessaly,  i,  508. 

Setrunt  of  Hyilos,  brings  Alcmena  an  account  of  his  master's  victory 
over  Eurystlieus,.  ii,  491* 

Settmhy  faithful  ones  grieved  at  any  evil  fortune  that  befalls  their  lords, 
i,  251.  Capable  of  the  most  generons  sentiments,  iii,  41.  Inferio^ 
to  freemen  only  m  name,  ib.  134,  370,  402. 

Seven  Chiefs,  attack  the  seven  gates  of  Thebes,  i,  195,  214.  Repulsed 
and  slain,  ib.  217—231.  Their  bodies  not  permitted  by  Creon  to  bo 
removed  for  interment,  ii,  4.  Funereal  rites  performed  for  them  by 
TTieseus,  ib.    40^58. 

SSuanCy  two  kitads  of,  i;  '335.  An  inactive  Goddess,  iii,  108.  Some- 
times needful,  sometimes  pernicious,  ib.  355.  Virtuobs,  lia»  left  the 
world,  and  fled  to  Heaven,  i,  269. 


4^ 


INDBX* 


'  Shepkerdj  comes  to  acqnamt  Hector  with  the  afrind  of  Rhetns,  ir,  95#. 
Skidi^  of  AchiUefl,  described,  iii,  i^.    Of  Hector,  Astyattix  bbried 

in  it,  ii,  337  -^341* 
Shields  of  the  seven  Chiefs   who  marched    against  Thebes,  i,   165, 

214—216. 
ShipSy  first  constnicted  by  Danans,  ii,  215. 
Siciltfy  the  island  of,  represented  as  barren  while  wider  the  dominion  of 

the  Cyclops,  i,  168 ;  ii,  418. 
SicnaudtSy  dance  of,  peculiar  to  the  Satyric  fables,  ii ,  414» 
SidoR,  the  antient  metropolis  of  Phcenicia,  ii,  354^  392* 
SUencCy  one  of  the  best  female  accomplishments,  ii,  475.    A  crown  to 
the  good  man,  iii,  336.    Among  his  superiors,  becomes  the  wise  man, 
ib.  319.    Often  the  best  reply,  ib.  418. 
SUeittUy  comrade  of  Bacchus,  a  prisoner  in  the  den  of  Polypheme,  ii, 
413.    Obtains  a  cask  of  wine  from  Ulysses,  ib.  420.    Betra^^s  Ulysses» 
ib.  485.    Excites  Polypheme  to  intoxicate  himself,  ib.  439. 
SimmSy  a  riyer  flowing  from  mount  Ida  near  Troy,  ii,  108. 
S^hUy  an  Asiatic  city,  the  residence  of  Tantalus,  which  was  swallowed 

up  by  an  earthquake,  i,  145 ;  ii,  119. 
Sigyphusy  sonofiSolns,  iii,  321*    Great  uncle  to  Jason,  i,  267.    Why 
called  the  father  of  Ulysses^  ii,  94.    Punished  in  the  infermd  regioqst 
iii,  224.    A  Fragment,  ib.  388. 
Slander,  the  favourite  topic  of  female  conversation,  i,  167* 
Slateryy  one  of  the  greatest  miseries,  i,  16;  iii»  336. 
Slaeea  attached  to  their  masters,  disliked  by  their  comparamis,  iii,  322* 
Sieepy  a  medicine  for  every  disease,  i,  70.    Brother  to  Death,  and  there> 

fore  an  ill-omened  word,  ii,  74. 
SoUieray  endure  the  toil  of  battle,  thoo^^  all  the  i^ory  accrues  to  theb 

general,  i,  482. 
StUtudCy  extends  her  dominions  over  the  cities  and  temples  of  the  van- 
quished, ii,  292* 
SonSy  the  pillars  of  their  father^  house,  ii,  161* 
8orcerer$y  the  spirits  of  the  dead  raised  or  laid  by  them,  i,  445. 
Sormw,  a  severe  but  phicable  Goddess,  i,  78.    Doth  not  overpower 

the  wise  man,  iii,  410.  ' 

Souls  of  the  dead,  their  unmortality,  i,  420.    Return  to  their  native 
Ether,  ii,  27,  59.    Retain  an  everlasting  consciousness,  iii,  55.    Re- 
presented by  the  antient  Poets  as  visible,  i,  3,  4,  5 ;  ii,  31* 
SpartOy  the  most   powerful  state  in  the  Peloponesus,  its  inhabitants 
.   ferocious  in  their  manners,  ii,  12.    Their  treacherous  disposition,  i, 
471.    A  mountainous  country,  iii,  365.    Its  women  rendered  disso* 
lute  by  the  manner  in  which  they  are  bred  up,  i,  478. 
i%>ear  of  Pelops,  with  which  he  slew  Oenomaos,  carefully  preserved  m 

the  palabe  of  his  descendantsi  ii,  198. 
SphynXy  a  vringed  monster  with  the  fiice  of  a  virgin,  sent  by  Plato  to 
harrass  Thebes,  i,  198.    Destroyed  by    Oedipus,   who  solves  tt» 
riddle^  i,  161,  244. 


IlfI>£X.  465 

S^^cfMdegf  from  vnn^,  '^  to  scatter,**  seyeral  Grecian  islands  nvhich  lie 

dispersed  in  the  iBgean  sea,  ii,  275. 
Spurimu  children,  hated  by  those  i^ho  are  legitimate,  i,  363.    Exposed 

to  great  calamities,  i,  369.    Their  situation  not  happy,  even  though 

their  fathers  were  Gods,  iii,  116.    The  laws  unfavourable  to  them, 

ib.  329.    Odious  only  in  dame,  but  by  nature  in  eyeiy  respect  equal 

to  the  legitimate,  ib.  333,  356. 
^fytge^  itks  great  extent  at  Athens,  il,  114. 
Stars^  two,  supposed  to  be  Hercules  and  Hebe,  appear  to  lolaus,  ii,  494* 

Of  Castor  and  Pollux,  iii,  11.  ' 

i9iifu€  of  Diana,  descended  from  Heaven  into  her  temple  at  Tauris,  ii, 

163.    Taken  away  by  Orestes  and  Iphigema,  ii,  228.    Directed  by 

Minerva  to  be  carried  into  Attica,  ib.  234. 
Step^mather,  her  enmify  to  her  husband  s  children,  i,  403 ;  iii,  124,  402. 
StheneUUf  son  of  Perseus  and  Andromeda,  ii,  470, 
ISlhenehu,  son  of  Capaneus  and  Evadne,  ii,  79.. 
SthawbaOf  wife  of  Prcetus,  her  unlawful  passion  for  BeUerophon,  iii^ 

386. 
Strmigen  oagfat  to  conform'  to  the  manners  of  the  country  where  they 

reside,  i,  258.    And  not  make  to  themselves  enemies  by  entering 

into  disputes,  ii,  47. 
fStropMuSy  king  of  Phocis,  and  fother  of  Pylades,  banishes  his  son  for 

assisting  Orestes  in  the  murder  of  Cly temnestra,  i,  96* 
SirymoHf  a  river  dividing  Thrace  from    Macedon,  father  of  Rhesus, 

ii,  259. 
Suicide^  considered  as  a  mark  of  cowardice,  iii,  237.    Of  courage,  il^. 

381,  411.    Some  modes  of  it  peculiarly  base,  ib.  18.    The  ideas  of 

the  ancients  on  that  subject  at  least  equally  chaste  ^th  those  of  the 

modems,  i,  354. 
I^Uora  of  Helen,  the  oath  by  which  they  bound  themselves  to  Tyndarus, 

ii,  70,  87.  ' 

$u  J  Jocasta's  address  to,  i,  159.    Grandfatl^er  of  Medea,  i,  267,  304. 

Called  the  God  by  way  of  Eminence,  i,  425.    Drove  his  steeds  back> 

to  avoid  beholding  the  banquet  of  Thyestes,  i,  109>  ii,  197,  282. 
iSimttan,  a  promontory  in  the  Athenian  territories,  ii,  428. 
SuppUcuU  Arrive  matrons,  entreat  Theseus  to  obtain  funereal  rites  for 

fheir  sons  slain  at  the  siege  of  Thebes,  ii,  4« 
SwoHy  Jupiter,  under  the  form  of  one,  approaches  Leda,  i,  X27  ^  iii,  61* 

The  truth  of  that  history  questioned,  ii,  110. 
Swan,  its  tenderness  to  its  decrepid  parent, /ii,  408.    The  sweetness  of 

its  voice,  iii,  97.    Its  dying  song,  ii,  214 ;  iii,  208. 
,Syku8,  son  of  Neptune,  slain  by  Herculps  at  the  time  that  hero  was  re- 
duced to  a  state  of  servitude,  iii,  390. 
BjfmpUgades,  so  railed  from  cvi  and  nxsriw,  on  account  of  their  being 

so  near  as   s^mingly  to    dash  against   each  other.    See  Cyftnetm, 

Rock9, 
l^enSf  daus^ters  of  the  Earth,  hivoked  by  Helen,  iii,  1 2. 

Voj.  I|I.  H  H 


466  tKI>£X. 


T. 

Tanarua,  a  promontoiy  in  the  Spartan  territones,  itB  haven  sacred 
to  Neptune,  %  4^8.  Its  cavern  the  passage  to  the  infernal  re- 
gions, iiiy  180. 

Takau,  father  to  Adrastos  king  of  Argosy  and  Medstens  father  «f  Eory- 
alos,  ii,  79. 

TaUh^biut,  the  herald  of  Agamemnon,  attends  the  sacrifice  of  ^Uge- 
nia,  u,  152.  Informs  Hecuba  to  what  lords  she  and  the  other  Trojan 
datives  are  distributed,  ib.  300.  Condocts  Cassandra  to  Agamem- 
non, ib.  307.  Acquaints  Andromache  ^  with  the  determination  of  the 
Greeks  to  throw  her  son  Ast^-anax  from  the  battlements  of  Troy,  ib. 
320 — 324.  Directs  the  body  of  Astyanax  to  be  buried  in  die  shield  of 
Hector,  ib.  3S8.  Orders  Troy  to  be  burnt  down,  ib.  343.  Bringis 
Hecuba  an  account  of  Pol^-xena^s  sacrifice,  i,  2^-— 27.  Favours  the 
partizans  of  JE^thus  at  Orestes^  trial  before  the  Argive  people,  i, 
104. 

TfOMs,  a  river  which  flows  through  tiie  Argive  territories,  iii,  264. 

Toafa/itf,  son  of  Jupiter  and  Pluia  wife  of  Tmolus  a  Lydian  king, 
i,  144.  Offends  the  Gods,  who  partook  his  banquet,  by  an  unbridled 
tongue,  i,  61.  His  murdering  his  son  Pelops,  and  sening  him  up  to  his 
celestial  gnests  mentioned  by  Menelaus,  iii,  22.  But  the  truth  of 
that  history  disbelieved  by  Ip^igenia,  ii,  175.  Punished  by  a  stone  pf 
enormous  size  perpetually  hanging  over  his  head,  i,  61, 108. 

Taphi4a8,  inhabitants  of  three  small  islands  in  the  Ionian  sea,  their  for- 
tresses sacked  by  Amphitryon,  iii,  181.    Omunanded  by  Meges,  join 
.the  Grecian  fleet  assembled  at  Aulis,  ii,  81. 

Towns,  or  Tanric  Scythia,  a  peninsula,  formed  by  the  river  Bori^thenes^ 
the  Pains  Maeotis,  and  Euxine  sea,  the  savage  disposition  of  its  inha- 
Ji)itants,  ii,  160,  175. 

Tears,  must  not  be  shed  by  the  Gods,  i,  382.  Privileged  in  those  of 
incf^er  stations,  U,  90.  But  unbecoming  in  an  hero,  iii,  53,  54,  237. 
Owing  to  joy  as  well  as  sorrow,  ii,  198;  iii,  210.  Afford  a  pensive 
pleasure,  iii,  340,  379. 

Tetonofi,  son  of  .£acus,  and  king  of  the  island  of  Salamis,  il,  324. 
Assists  Hercules  in  taking  Troy,  ib.355.  One  of  the  heroes  who  as. 
sembled  at  the  hunting  of  the  Calydonian  boar,  iii,  373.'  Father  of 
Ajax,u,  76.    Qanishes  bis  soh  Teucer,  iii,  7. 

Telephus,  king  of  Mysia,"8on  of  Hercules  and  Auge,  was  wounded 
by  the  spear  of  Achilles ;  the  Delphic  oracle  informed  him,  that  ha 
could  only  be  cured  by  the  spear  ivhich  gave  the  wound,  in 
consequence  of  which  he  went  disguised  as  a  beggar  to  the  Gre- 
cian camp,  iii,  391. 

TemetddiF,  or  the  children  of  Temenus,  who  was  son  to  Phegeos 
king  of  Psoplds  an  Arcadian  city,  according  to  Barnes  and  ApoU 


INBEX,      -  467 

lodorns;  but  Dr.  Masgrave  thinks  this  fhigneot  relates  f6  the  family 
of  TemeDUS,  sod  of  Aristomachus,  mentioned  by  Pansaniasy  who  ob- 
tttined  the  knugdom  of  Argos,  and  gave  bis  daughter  Hymetlio  in  mar- 
riage to  Peiphontes  son  of  Antimachns;  she  was  destroyed  by  the 
vicdence  of  her  brother  Phalcis  attempting  forcibly  to  take  her  from 
her  hosbandy  iii,  39St 

TempUjof  Minerva,  at  Troy,  i,  45*  Of  Venus,  erected  l>y  Phaedra  on 
the  shore  of  Attica,  ib.  318.  Of  Necessity,  'always  closed,  ib.  436. 
Of  Apollo  at  Delphi,  ib.499;  iii,  91—176.  Of  Diana,  m  Taiiric 
Scythki,  ii,  169.  Of  the  Furies  at  Athens,  ib.  205.  Of  Thetis,  in 
Thessaly,  i,  45S. 

TetudSf  son  of  Cygnns  a  I%rygian  king^  having  rejected  the  incestuous 
advances  of  his  mother-in-law  Philomela,  iKras  by  her  accused  to  his 
firtfaer  of  attempting  to  violate  his  bed,  and  sentenced  to  banishment : 
he  landed  in  the  island  Leucophrys^  \^hiGh  from  him  received  the 
name  of  Tenedos,  iii,  393. 

Tefitf  erected  by  Ion  to  entertain  the  inhabitants  of  Delphi^  iii,  149. 

Teueer,  son  of  Telamon,  banished  from  Sahunis  by  his  father,  lands  in 
.^Egypt,  iii,  6.  Destined  by  Apollo  to  found  a  new  Salarois  in  the  isle 
of  Cyprus,  ib.  12. 

TWctnenus,  a  Bceotian  mountain  within  sight  of  Thebes,  i,  214. 

^(hiihrantium,  a  city  in  Mysia,  founded  by  Teuthras,  who  married  Auge^ 
and  adopted  her  son  Telephu^,  iu,  368. 

TAomyru,  son  of  Phi]ammo%  contended  with  the  Muses  in  song,  and 
was  by  them  overcome  and  deprived  of  his  eyes,  ii,  285. 

TfUmuy  one  of  Agenor's  sons,  fortaied  an  establishment  in  an  island  near 
Thrace,  from  bun  named  Tbasos,  iii,  403. 

7%e6e,  daughter  of  Asopns,  and  wife  of  Zethus,  i,  198. 

TltAea,  the  ciq>ital  of  fioeotia,  its  seven  gates  assaulted  by  the  Argive 
ChiefB,  i,  214.    Ordained  to  be  sacked  by  their  sons  called  the  Epi- 
<goni,  ii,63. 

^[%ebe8j  a  city  in  Olicia,  a  cohntiy  of  Asia  Minor,  i,  45t. 

ThemtSf  east  forth  from  her  oracle  by  Apollo,  ii,  225« 

Theoclymemu,  son  of  Proteus,  and  king  of  i^Egypt,  the  name  denved 
from'  S'lOf,  ^  God*  and  xxiw,  "  to  obey,**  on  account  of  his  great 
piety,  iii,  3.  Supposing  Menelaus  to  be  dead,  he  solicits  Helen  to 
marry  him,  ib.  6.  Is  deceived  by  the  stratagems  of  her  and  Menelaus, 
in,  62—84. 

Theimo^  danglitet  of  Proteus  king  of  .^gypt,  the  name  derived  from 
^agy  **  God,**  and,  yow,  «  to  understand  :*  her  prophetic  skill,  iii,  4, 
Favours  the  escape  of  Helen,  ib.  56,  56.  Her  life  threatened  by-her 
brother  Theoclymenus,  but  saved  by  the  interposition  of  Castor  uid 

'  Pollux,  ib.  86—88. 

Thengpney  a  Spartan  city,  ii,  299. 

Thefapne,  a'  town  in  Bceotia,  between  Thebes  and  the  river  Asopus,  ii," 
^93. 

H112 


46s  iif^BX. 

his  dtsUacted  ^dfaer,  ib.  SSO. 

Periphetes  hKeailieftt  exploit,  iiy  37.  He  tbra  kiib  Hie  Jov  «f  C>i>- 
myca,  ib,  18.  On  tiie  eatieatKS  of  A^MBtv  aiidl4ke  Affive  — hinMj 
supported  by  those  of  his  mother,  be  sends  to  Oe«n  lo  lirwii  the 
bocUes  of  the  seven  Cfakiftflainattlie  w^  if  Tlieb«ylb.  S^  Bm 
tpeeeh  against  Uaffy  goveinnieot,  ih.  S5.  Be defotiCmMi,  ib.38* 
And  bnngs  the  bodies  to  Eleasine,  ib.40u  ManiBs  HifW^tetfae 
Amazonian  captive,  by  whom  be  bas  asgii  nmed  fiRppo^ytviy  i,  Sir ; 
and,  after  her  death,  Phaedta  dan^ter  to  Minos  kins  ^yfOnle,  i,  318. 
Having  slain  the  sons  of  Pallas,  be  retirea  S»r  a  year  finam  AthoB  to 
Trcezene  to  expiate  his  gnik,  ft.  Ketonaag  fram  Hm  oivde  at  0et> 
phi,  he  finds  Phiedra  dead^  i,  356.  Deoavcd  by  a  kMer  die  kft,  he 
prstys  to  Neptnne  to  destroy  Hippolytas,  if  359.  tts  anpieartMrn  ful- 
filled, i,  375.  Laments  his  rashness,  on  being  asflued  b^  Diaoa  that 
his  son  vras  innoceiit,  i,  379.  Consoles  Hercnles  after  Ae  ianxf  ^pbioh 
impelled  him  to  kffl  his  wife  and  cbiUfen,  11^236.  Tbtans,  a  Skag- 
meot,  ib.  357. 
Thaprotia,  a  district  of  Epums,  near  the  oracle  of  J|np|^  41^^  Pf^W* 

1,209. 

TheuaUaiUf  famous  for  their  stratagems  in  ipw,  i,  S^  Iniired  to  H^m 
under  kingly  government,  ib.  472.  Expert  ip  honfifffiipsHv^f  ^9d  the 
dissection  o£  victims,  iii,  2B6. 

Thestius,  father  of  Leda  and  AUhaBa,  %  69 ;  iiiy  11^  374. 

Theiig,  daoghter  of  Nereus,  married  to  Pelm,  aiid  thfi''  iffyt^1,»  tttfl»- 
ded  by  the  Gods,  ii,  124.  Consoles  Peleus  for  the  dea^w  of  ^jbeir  son 
Achilles  and  grandson  Neoplolqpns,  i,  5P5— 508.  Bfit  teopple,  b«- 
tvreen  Plithia  and  Pharsalia  in  Thessaly»  ib.  452. 

Thoas,  king  of  Tauric  Scythia^  the  name  derived  from  •^ay>  '^  svlii,*'  ii« 
160.  Commands  Orestes  and  Pylades  to  be  sacrificed,  i]|i.  172.  Sec- 
luded by  tliem  and  Iphigenia,  ib.  2l6-*290.  Coinmande4  by  Minervn 
to  desist  from  pqrsuii^  them^  and  to  celeaae  the  other  QracijRii  c^ip- 
tivcs,  ib.  234. 

Tiirace  overspread  with  snow,  i,  5.  Its  magic  tablets,  ib.  43^.  Poly- 
gamy frequent  there,  ib«  461«  Abounfls  with  silver  mines,  ii,  237. 
Infes'ted  by  the  Scythians,  ib.  262. 

Thromum,  a  city  of  Locris,  ii,  79. 

Thyeatea,  son  of  Pelops,  and  brother  of  Ati^eus,  iii,  35£U  Sedooes 
^Fope  his  brother's  wife,  and  obtains  the  golden-  isu^  ib.  281. 
His  children  murdered  by  Atreus,  and  placed  befo^  l^wi««t  a 
banquet,  i,  61. 

ThymbrM,  a  temple  of  Apollo  near  Troy,  situated  wher£  the  ri;eer  Tbym* 
brius  flows  into  the  Scamander,  ii,  265. 

Tltyr8U8,  a  wand  bound  with  ivy,  borne  by  the  vot^icies  oi  BacdMi0>^ 
350.    Used  by  them  in  battle,  ib.  379. 

Tigeri,  harnessed  to  the  chariot  of  Bacchus,  ii,  371. 


TMMy  fMMHWiit  #f  its  wentiWy  i\y  352. 

ThM^  tkokb  qp  bis  mainXy  tnd  e^pofleB  the  mcket],  i,  SS6.    Son  of  6t- 

timtu  «,  495.    4pi«igB  from  no  foUier,  vk^  S44,  SBl^     See»  all  tUngs, 

•b.  S7^.    Tlie  Hcayem  liis  workjoandiip,  ib.  369. 
7iMitcib  •  flpotbiftyef  of  Thebef ,  who  lost  hi»  Mght  by  ikcidhof  a 

dispate  between  Jupiter  and  Jqiao  in  fiivonr  of  die  fonner»  nho 

rewpnled  Uon  ivitli  tiie  g;ift  of  prophecy;  he  and  Cadmus  join  the 

M^Qs  of  Raeehas,  ii^  3^.    Reproves  Hie  impiety  of  Peotheoa,  ib« 

|^5d.    Divecta  Crean  to  sacrifice  his  sen  Menseeeas,  i,  SOjk    Hia 

deathy  i,  S03. 
TSryn^Aioas,  the  Argivea  ao  ealM  firgai  Tiryips  a  PeloponenJan  city  near 

Alios,  ii»  46a 
TifoRSy  giants,  sons  of  the  Earth,  who  vanred  against  JupHer  and  the 

Gods,  i,  gi« 
TUhfMM^   sou   of   Laomedon  king  of  Troy,  beloved  by  Aurora,  ii, 

326. 
TniMiM,  a  Phrygian  mountain  on  the  confines  of  Lydia,  ii,  35l. 

VmA^  of  Aehffles,  PolyxenasaevWced  there,  i,  24.  Of  CSytemnostra, 
efiMi^s  sent  tfailiier  from  HMeo,  i,  e>fi.  Of  Zethns,  near  Thebes,  i, 
1<5.  Of  NMbe*«  doiigbteis,  new  Thebes,  i,  16«.  0#  Semele,  m 
Thebes,  ii,  349.  Of  Proteus,  at  the  entrance  of  his  palaee  hi  the 
isle  of  Pharos,  iii,  «2.  Of  Agamemnon,  visited  by  Orestes,  ib.  268* 
Of  AmphioB,  near  TiMbes,  ii,  Sft« 

Twchy  antiently  kindled  as  the  signal  for  an  engagement,  i,  92f ;  iii,  281. 
Also  at  maniages,  i,  172 ;  ii,  106 ;  iii,  40.  Paria  compared  to  one, 
ib.  13,  323, 324. 

TVocAis,  a  city  of  Thessaly,  bnik  by  Hereules,  n,  461. 

TtQige^iy  the  names  of  winch  are  unknown,  fragments  of.  Hi,  403. 

TWiMures  of  ApoHo*s  temple  at  Delphi,  i,  499 ;  ii,  Vi€t. 

Tf^l^pAs,  in  the  IHze  of  Doric  piUars,  a  space  left  between  them  equal 
to'theirheiglityii,  164. 

Trt^Mi,  a  lake  in  Africa,  where  Minerva,  fint  appeared,  lit,  135* 

Tfteta,  daughter  of  Ceves,  the  patroness  of  public  roads,  iii,  146. 

Tretamf^  a  city  in  the  Argive  territories,  founded  by  Trazen  son 
of  Pelops,  i,  147.  Theseus  retires  thither  for  one  year,  to  expiate 
the  murder  of  the  soili^  of  Pallas  by  lohmtary  exile,  i,  318.    Its  sa- 

^  cred  lake,  i,  327. 

TmphieSy  devoted  to  the  Gods,  i,  184.  Hong  up  m  temples,  ii,  162^ 
^0;  iii,  245. 

l^nfhomuf  cave  at  Lebadia,  a  town  near  the  river  Ceplrisus  in  Bteotia^ 

^    9iy  104. 

Troy,  the  capital  city  of  Phrygia  in>the  lesser  Asia,  bu8t  byNeptane  and 
Apollo,  ii,  291. '  First  taken  by  Hercules  and  Tehunon,  ib.  325. 
A^erwards  by  the  confederate  Grecian  troops  commanded  by  Aga- 
memnon, i,  40 ;  ii,  311.    Burnt  down  by  tiie  victors,  i,  37  ;  ii,  344. 

Tmntpetf  blown  as  a  signal  for  battle,  i,  227,  ii,  288,  49^ 

yydeiuy  sen  of  Oeaeus,  and  fatiier  of  Diomede,  exiled  from  CsOydon 


470  '  XNDSX 

for  having  Involmitarily  slain  his  own  brotiier  MemtHppm,   ii,  10 ; 

iii,  377.     Flies    to    Argos,    where  he  fights   with  Polynices,    on 

which  Adrastus  gives  one  of  his  dan|;hters  to  him  in  marriagey  i, 

177.    One  of  the  seven  Chiefs  who  marched  against  Thebes,  i,  164. 

Attacks  the  Homoliean  gate,  i,  315.    The  encomlam  bestowed  oo 

him  after  his  death  by  Adrastus,  ii,  47. 
Tyndarus,  king  of  Sparta,  father  of  Clytemnestra  and  Helen,  i,  95.    The 

oath  imposed  by  him  on  Helen's  suitors,  ii,  70.    Reproaches  Orestes 

i,  84.    Stirs  up  the  citizens  of  Argos  against  Orestes,  ib.  89, 106.    His 

family  much  respected  in  Greece,  ii,  1^3. 
Ts^pAoM,  monsters  of  a  triple  form,  slain  by  Hercules,  iii,  234. 
Tyre,  an  island  near  the  coast  of  Phoenicia,  joined  to  the  continent  by 

Alexander  the  Great,  i,  168. 


U  and  V, 

Venusy    two   Goddesses    of  that    name,   iii,   59.      Her    vengeance  ' 

against  Hippolytus,  i,  317.  Against  lole  and  Dirce»  ib.  343* 
A  mild  Goddess,  ib.  438.  Her  contest  with  Juno  and  Minerva* 
ii,  136.    Obtains  tlie  golden  apple  from  Paris,  i,  28,  465.    On  whom'  i 

she  bestows  Helen,  ii,  75.    Wishes  to  frustrate  the  return  of  the  real  ^ 

Helen  from  ^gypt>  iii,  50.  Her  power  absolute  and  uniyersal,  i»3S7^ 
377;  iii,  404. 

VestOf  Alcestis'  prayer  to  her,  i,  397.    Earth  invoked  by  that  name,  iii^  ' 

417. 

Ficiory,  address  to,  i^  143, 245 ;  ii,  237. 

Vindication^  an  Argive  warrior's,  of  Orestes,  for  killing  his  Mother^ 
i,  f  06.  Of  the  female  sex  against  the  calumnies  of  men,  i,  268  y 
iii,  148.  Hippolytus's  of  himself,  from  the  accusation  in  Phasdia's 
letter,  i,  364.  Pheres's,  of  himself,  for  not  dying  for  his  son, 
ib.  422.  Andromache's,  of  herself,  against  Herraione,  ib.  460. 
Theseus's,  of  himself,  against  the  Herald  of  Creon,  ii,  26.  Rhesus's, 
of  himself,  in  answer  to  Hector,  ib.  862.  Hie  real  Helen's,  of 
herself,  iii,  4,  37,  52.  Muierva's,  of  Apollo's  .  conduct  in  regard 
to  Ion,  ib.  173.  Amphitryon's,  of  Hercules'  courage,  in  reply  te 
Lycus,  ib.  186. 

Virgin,  one  claimed  by  the  oracle  as  a  sacrifice  to  Ceies,  ii,  472. 

Virtue,  the  greatest  of  human  blessings,  iii,  405.     Transmitted  frpm 

-  parents  to  their  chUdren,  i,  17.  Remains  unchanged  when  ^mly 
rooted  in  the  breast  by  education,  ii,  96.  Flourishes  when  the  body  ii 
no  more,  iii,  393. 

Vlyms,  king  of  Ithaca,  one  of  the  confederate  Grecian  chiefs,  ii,77. 
Called  the  son  of  Sysiphus,  ib.  94,  141,  416.  The  bringing  I|riii- 
genia  to  Auhs,  his  stratagem,  ib.  160.  He  and  Diomede  kill 
Dolon,  ib.  270;  and  Rhesus,  ib.  27$.  Obtams  Hecuba  by  lot  for 
his  captive,  ib.  302.    Persuades  the  Greeks  to  sacrifice  Polyxena, 


iiTOBx.  471 

iy  8.  Comes  to  condqct  her  to  the  altar,  ib.  11.  Reproached  by  He- 
caba  for  his  ingratitude,  ib.  fi.  Lands  in  Sicily,  ii,  416.  Pats  out 
the  eye  of  Polypheme,  ib.  446*  His  tedious  wanderings  in  his  return 
from  Troy,  ib.  182  ;  308. 

Unity  of  time  grassly  violated  m  the  Suppliants,  ii,  34. 

VMloMy  forges  the  armour  of  AchiUes,  ii,  126 ;  iii,  266.    Mount  JEtna 

.  sacred  to  him,  ii,  299, 443. 


W. 

tVgr,  sent  by  Jove^o  rid  the  world  of  its  nntighteons  swarms,  i,  141 9 
iii,  5.  Would  be  mor^  studiously  avoided  were  the  slaughter  attend- 
ing it  present  to  men's  eye^,  ii,  25.  A  most  striking  instance  of  hu- 
man frenzy,  iii,  61,  62. 
JVealthf  of  Asiatic  kings,  celebrated,  iii,  206.  But  a  mere  name,  i,  18S* 
The  consolation  it  affords,  iii,  346.  Takes  away  all  temptations  to 
dishonesty^  but  is  frequ^ndy  attended  with  pride  and  folly,  ib.  399| 
340. 

Weapons  of  Hercules,  ii,  39  note;  iii,  185,  238. 

fVidowSy  their  second  marriages  censured,  ii,  318. 

Wife,  the  happiness  of  him  vho  obtains  a  good  Qne,  i,  411 ;  iii^  376, 
402,  409.  The  wretchedness  of  him  who  has  a  bad  one,  i,  88. 
Ought  not  to  be  chosen  merely  with  a  view  to  her  wealth  or 
rank,  iii,  299,  371. 

Witnesses,  when  they  contradict  each  other,  how  to  find  out  the  truth, 
iii,  400. 

Wolfs  hide,  used  by  Dolon  for  a  disguise,  ii,  252. 

Women,  the  disadvantages  they  labour  under,  i,  259;  ni,  370.  Invec* 
lives  against,  i,52,  274,  S47  -,  iii,  320,  345,  409.  Vindication  of,  i,  268 ; 
iii,  147,  148.  Some  of  them  ca^^able  of  engagii^  in  abstruse  studies^ 
i,  297,  298.  Given  as  prizes  at  the  gauges,  ib.  438.  Skilful  m  framing 
^stratagems,  ib.  454.  Steadfast  in  the  cause  of  their  sex,  ii,  212;  iiit 
327.  Instances  of  their  courage,  i,  40.  Reproached  for  their  adul- 
teries, while  men  are  uncensured,  iii,  296.  The  watching  them  inef- 
fectual, iii,  421. 

Wooden  horse,  constructed  by  Epeus,  ii,  291.  Dragged  into  Troy 
through  the  Scaean  gate,  ib.  311,  312.  The  Grecian  warriois  isMia 
forth  from  it,  and  make  great  havoc  through  the  city,  ib.  313. 


X. 

Xvthus,  son  of  iEolos,  ii,  93,  134.  Marries  Creusa,  heiress  to  the  Atlie- 
nian  throne,  ib.  Having  no  children  comes  to  consult  the  oracle  of 
Apollo  at  Delphi,  iii,  96.  Receives  Ion  for  his  ^  son,  ib.  117.  The 
children  to  be  bom  of  him  and  Creusa,  ib.  174 . 


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